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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 17 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 17 | I need to replace a leaky rear main seal in my 1959 Chevrolet 1/2 ton with a six cylinder and stock I beam front suspension. Not wanting to completely pull the motor I thought I would try the "rope trick" replacement method. Can anybody tell me from experience if I get the oil pan off and out of the way without having to jack the motor up or dropping the axle?
Thanks
Gary | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 | Should be the same as my 55.2 with a 235. It was easy to drop, and nothing in the way.
Brian
1955.2 3100 Truck
The older I get the more dangerous I am!!!!! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,792 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,792 | Support the front end with jack stands under the frame rails, not the axle. That lets the springs relax and adds a couple of inches or more of clearance between the oil pan and the axle.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 17 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 17 | | | | | | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 17 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 17 | OK, thank you guys. Much appreciated.
Gary | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I think that engine would be a candidate for a neoprene seal, wouldn't it. I think they are easier to install. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | Any 1956-62 235 or 261 is a good candidate for the neoprene seal, and I prefer them.
The only issue one needs to be aware of is, on some blocks, and I have seen two, the seal groove in the block is not concentric to the main line. This will prevent the neoprene seal from being held tight against the crank in one area.
On engines like this the rope seal is the only way to go.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,792 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,792 | The block can be modified by a competent machinist to accept a full-circle lip seal similar to the one the late model Chevy V8 uses. It takes a fairly simple setup with a cylinder boring machine and the problem is solved forever.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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