On my 360 Magnum Crate which came with a center sump, I had to swap to a 2000 Durango Rear Sump pan and oil pickup to fit the x-member. I'm guessing the oil dipstick and tube that I had no longer will work. I assume that I could order a Durango 2000 dipstick tube/stick, but if it uses the same front tube hole in the block, how does the stick get all the way to rear sump? Assuming that's where the oil level is taken? Alot of assumptions, I know, but I've never given much thought to dipsticks before, and I don't want the stick catching the crank and snapping off in the pan.

I've Googled quite a bit and there's alot of conflicting info...inherently you'd think the dipstick would be the same as you're measuring the level below the crank...and that distance should be the same regardless of pan configuration. I've tried using the dip I have and two problems...at 5 quarts nothing measures and there's some interference...I can push the stick in bit the final 2 inches it hits something....some pressure and wiggling it will release but I'm concerned about that interference.

Also, the FSM for a durango says 5 QTs....Is that 5 QTs with an empty filter, or 5QTs + some more to fill the filter?

 

This add says the 2000 durango dip stick is 21 inches, if the one you have is longer ..... http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200..._dipstick.html

 

Thanks for that link....I went and measured mine...21 inches also. It is stamped 3870265 on the stick, which when I google says it's for a 76-86 360 which would be an LA block. But it looks just like that Durango picture you linked. The tube looks the same too.

Carefully inspecting my tube, it's got a distinct offset angle in it...I wonder if there's a specific orientation it's supposed to go in the block? I thought I had it seated in there flush, but maybe I'll look at that closer tomorrow. All I know, is that with the stick all the way in and 5 quarts of oil I'm not registering a damn thing.

 

I usually put the stick in with the width horizontal to the ground. Let us know what you figure out. I also read that the tube is held on by one nut so maybe pull it and take a look?

 

I dunno....I have a 5.2L magnum in my 95, and I pulled that dipstick for comparison and it's a full foot longer...34 inches or so. I thought 318 and 360 Magnums were the same block? I tried the 95 dipstick in my 360 and it had the same interference at some point, but then pushed through and bottomed out with maybe 1/4" left at the top before sealing. It did pick up oil on the stick, so now I'm really confused. Interestingly enough when I put the stick back in the 95, it too had the interference at one point and I had to jiggle it around to get it go back in.

 

BTW if you have a 94 V8 can you measure yours?

 

Sorry I have the 3.9

 

When I did my swap, I broke the one on the 3.9. I'm using the one from a 96 ram on my 93 dakota with no issue.

 

Did you swap a 5.2 or 5.9? Magnum or LA?

Thanks!

 

5.2 magnum