Ground Clearance?

[crazybob]

How much ground clearance does the average T-bucket have? Right now at the oil pan I have about 2 3/4 inch clearance. I just ordered some bigs for the rear so I'll be going from a 26" tall rear to a 31" rear tire. That should help some but I still don't think I'll be able to clear a speed bump.

[bobby6319]

i think i have about 4 inchs

[crazybob]

After installing the 31" rears, I now have 3.5".

[Ted Brown]

I really like at least 5 to 6 inches of clearance at the pan and flywheel, I usually end up cutting some off the bottom of the oil pan to get it up the same as the flywheel starter gear... Plus I use a piece of 1/4" mild steel for that new bottom, this will also work as a skid plate, I leave about 1 1/2 inch of material to the front of the pan, then when finished welding it to the pan, I heat that lip and roll it up a bit, so now nothing will catch on anything... I also move the drain plug to the right/passenger side of the pan.. why? if you happen to drag and the plug hits the pavement, it won't back out, like it will on the drivers side, but I also keep it a little bit higher also... another tip, place two or three good magnets on the oil filter, this will grab any metal particles that are loose in your oil and hold them to the inside of the filter...

[Lee in KC]

I have 3-1/2" and I have a Slamguard oil pan. It has done it's job on several occasions...



If I had it to do over again, I would raise my motor mounts at least an inch.

[H-Ace-T]

I have about 5" and have no problem.

[pinky-t]

I have 4" with a slam pan . It clears most speed bumps

[italianrich]

5 inches at lowest point on pan, but I just changed rear tires to 325 50's from the 295 50's, gave about anothe half inch at the pan

[deckofficer]

Ted,

You know a post about oil pan clearance would bring me out of the woodwork. With a standard oil pan I would have 3/4". I've cut 3" out of the pan so have a total of 3 3/4". I really do like a low CG, just wish I had bolstered seats so that my body would stay put during aggressive cornering. I have two sets of seats I use in the Track-T, guess I'll have to build a 3rd. This is about the only picture I have that shows the oil pan clearance and if you look close (like Ted always does) you'll see my side mounted drain plug.

[crazybob]

That Slam Guard oil pan looks like a must for me, no way I could shorten an oil pan. Thanks for the idea Lee.

And Bob, is that an Electra with your totally cool rod sitting in front of it?

[deckofficer]

Beech 18, not a Lockheed.

[crazybob]

Very cool picture.

[deckofficer]

Thanks Bob, an old trick of getting a distance away from your subject and then using a long focal length to compress the background like this shot.

[crazybob]

Man, another really cool shot. ^^ Is the Beech 18 yours?

[deckofficer]

I used to live in that neighborhood, Cameron Air Park Estates. I was visiting an old friend there and it is his 18. He joked that he could put belly doors on the Beech and load up my T for going to hot rodding events. He was joking of course, but after AP inspection it could be done. The streets here are wide enough to handle two way traffic of BOTH 2 car and 2 planes.

[deckofficer]

Speaking of events, are going to the Bash? I'll be there.

[crazybob]

The Beech 18 is a wonderful old airplane. If you have the money to keep one flying it would be cool. As for the Bash, I am new and don't know what or where it is?

[deckofficer]

This forum is here for the big Buckethead Bash in Mountain Home, Arkansas. This is a "T's only" event and is a bit of a pilgrimage for Bucket owners, like Sturgus is for Harley owners.

[crazybob]

Duah, now I get the name of the site! Wish I could but there is now way at this point in my life. Sounds awesome though.

[deckofficer]

I'm being nozy now, so feel free to ignore, what point in life? IMHO, never too old or too young, to enjoy your T in the company of other Bucketheads.

[crazybob]

Not nosy at all, just kids, work etc. Maybe one day I'll have time but not now. However, it sounds like a great idea!

[Dennis Bynum]

[H-Ace-T I have about 5" and have no problem. ] Braging are we?

[sstock]

Originally Posted by Lee in KC

I have 3-1/2" and I have a Slamguard oil pan. It has done it's job on several occasions...



If I had it to do over again, I would raise my motor mounts at least an inch.

Hi Lee, I guess you cant have your cake and eat it too. I have always liked the stance of your car, it sits just perfect to the eye if you ask me. I was contemplating having my front perch raised like yours to drop the car, no I'm having second thoughts.

[Lee in KC]

I love the stance of my car and would not change it. I would just raise the motor mounts about 1" to get a little more clearance. Frankly, it really hasn't been a problem the way it is... I've sort of conditioned myself to be aware of high spots while driving and adjust accordingly. I think the Slamguard pan is an absolute must, though. That one deep gouge would have surely gone through a regular pan!!

[H-Ace-T]

Originally Posted by Dennis Bynum

[H-Ace-T I have about 5" and have no problem. ] Braging are we?

Not really.....remember at Lenior we had to replace Toms oil pan which he had to order. I just didn't want the same to happen to me. Lol

[Lee in KC]

Wayne, I think Dennis was referring to something other than your oil pan clearance!

[Photoman]

Originally Posted by Lee in KC

I love the stance of my car and would not change it. I would just raise the motor mounts about 1" to get a little more clearance. Frankly, it really hasn't been a problem the way it is... I've sort of conditioned myself to be aware of high spots while driving and adjust accordingly. I think the Slamguard pan is an absolute must, though. That one deep gouge would have surely gone through a regular pan!!

Oh brother... Who let a pic of that field car in here?!

[H-Ace-T]

Damn I didn't mean to brag about girth....LOL

[Dennis Bynum]

Wayne, YOU are my hero!

[H-Ace-T]

No you are mine. Glad to see you back. I don't have a valve cover race car so I'll watch yours.