question on front drag link clearance with oil pan

[RD]

My RR's center link is touching on the pass side of the oil pan.  not greatly, but just enough to make contact and scuff the paint of and worry the hell out of me. 

My question is this:  Would the wrong pitman arm cause the center link to only contact the pass side of the oil pan?

If not, then what would cause the center link to make contact?  Is it possible that it is mounted on backwards?

the oil pan is a stock oil pan that has had the sump extended, but is symmetrical in every way.

any help would be appreciated.

RD

[greatwn73]

   Is this a recent engine install because some pans are built with a small indentation on one side for steering clearance.
   You could also check for worn idler arm (pass side) or allowing up and down movement of the centre link.Take the weight off the wheels and use hand pressure to push the centre up and down while watching the joint in the idler.

[RD]

   Is this a recent engine install because some pans are built with a small indentation on one side for steering clearance.
   You could also check for worn idler arm (pass side) or allowing up and down movement of the centre link.Take the weight off the wheels and use hand pressure to push the centre up and down while watching the joint in the idler.

will do! thanks for the reply.  after saying what you said, it dawned on me what those indentations were on some oil pans LOL!  I will check it out this weekend.  again, thanks for the help.

Jamey

[Chryco Psycho]

a bad engine mount could have the engine sitting too low
the idler could be wrong as well 
the pans with the indents were mostly used for C bodys

[RD]

the pitman arm i have is from a 2nd gen charger.  I know it is not correct, but would it cause that issue?  The differences in length tell me that this is the cause.  The B body 3rd gen is approximately 1/2 to 5/8" longer than the 2nd gen pitman arm.


your thoughts?

[Nacho-RT74]

IMHO... thats the problem... longer Pitman arm makes sit lower the center link...

what about the iddler arm ? is also from 2nd gen ?... if not, I think then you could have an incorrect steering play. Both have to be from same car to keep the right movement and ratio size on each side

[RD]

IMHO... thats the problem... longer Pitman arm makes sit lower the center link...

what about the iddler arm ? is also from 2nd gen ?... if not, I think then you could have an incorrect steering play. Both have to be from same car to keep the right movement and ratio size on each side

that is what i thought snacho, but i was unable to remove the pitman arm so i was going to take my chances.  I will get the right one on soon enough then.  the idler arm will be replaced also, though I believe it to be the original ( i didnt remove that one or replace it).  thanks buddy.

[Chryco Psycho]

the shorter arm will ift the center link closer to the oil pan

[RD]

the shorter arm will ift the center link closer to the oil pan

thanks chryco, appreciate all your insight on this, it sure does help me look at things differently.

[Chryco Psycho]

no prob