3.0 oil pan swap and hydro install pics

[UKMyers]

I finally got some downtime with my rig and took care of a couple projects. First on the list was to replace all my front spring bushings. They were hashed to say the least.



Next up was swapping out my oil pan to make room for my Trail Gear Hydro Assist ram. I did a lot of research and everyone kept telling me to use a T-100 pan. I had also heard that a 2wd 3.0 pan would work. Because it was cheaper and easier to get that set up I went that route. I called Troy at Cal Mini and he hooked me up with a pan, baffle plate and pick up. All of these components you have to have for this swap. I recommend going with the 2wd pan over a T-100 pan for two reasons. First these parts from the dealerships are crazy expensive and finding a wrecked T-100 is no easy task at least around here. Second the baffle plate requires several holes to be drilled and tapped to bolt it up. The 3.0 2wd pan is a direct bolt on.

The parts pile after 2 hours of cleaning


Getting the old pan off is no easy task. That FIPG crap Toyota uses is some serious stuff. I only had to remove the two brackets that brace the Trans to the Block to expose all the pan bolts.

The view once you get the pan off



Now the more fun part trying to get the baffle tray loose. This was also a huge PIA. Once I got it off along with the pickup it was time to clean up the block to start installing new parts. Here's the two pickups side by side.



And the two pans side by side. Notice how much lower the profile on the front of the 2wd pan is.



Make sure to clean everything really well and don't overtighten the pan bolts. Torque them to 52 INCH pounds.

The finished product... the dipstick is the same and the pan holds exactly the same amount of oil so that part was easy. The pick up and baffle plate are also a direct bolt up.



Now that I had clearance it was time to install my ram. I wont' get into the too much detail because that's a whole another project but here's the finished product.





The steering box with TG's frame plate kit and the lower high pressure line.



I'm super happy with my hydro set up. It steers so smooth now and I can actually steer with the front end locked up now. The hydro ram also acts as the best steering stabilizer ever. It does not even feel like the steering wheel is connected to the steering system now. For now I'm just running the stock pump with a hayden Tranny cooler behind the radiator to cool the fluid. I'm hoping to upgrade the pump and reservoir eventually. I haven't gotten to wheel it yet but I anticipate it's gonna be awesome. :bigok:

[Doomist]

thats sick! About how much was that?

[UKMyers]

Paid $100 for the pan parts shipped from Cal Mini, $200 for the ram kit from trail gear, $100 for the box tap and frame plate at a shop. I didn't want to screw with that part. It's a huge upgrade in handling though. Wheeling on the rocks 90% of the time sucks with the detroit up front and no hydro.

[Doomist]

Would it be wise to get it, if you dont have a locker yet?

[UKMyers]

It's quite a bit of work. If you don't have a locker yet just get a selectable so you can unlock it when you make a sharp turn and you'll be good to go. Put a much simpler and cheaper steering stabilizer on and call it good. My front axle had a detroit in it when I bought it. If I ever break it or regear I'm gonna go with an E-locker

[Chris]

I need the 2wd pan or new springs....great write up joey! thanks!

[yota94]

dude i didnt know you had hydro!! wicked sick joey

[TooRisky]

sweet, been thinking of hydro only because of my bad wrists, now with ARB locker will have to look into this for my FSJ to help out steering