Replace oil pump or not?

[Kenny78]

I am fairly new to wrenching on vehicles and I'm trying to get out of parts change mentality. I am going to have my oilpan off to address some leaks. For the less than $30 for a Melling(this is a good brand right), should I just replace it. The existing one has no problems that I am aware of. Can this be justified as preventive maintainence or should I leave it be.

TIA Kenny

 

[badmix]

I would just leave it, pumps either work or they dont. If you take it apart and fubar putting one in, then you cost your self aggrevation.

 

[Kenny78]

Well, I meant replacing the oil pump, but I am going to keep an eye ont he pan like you suggested. Thanks for the reminder. On a side note, Badmix your truck has a 2" lift with 33" tires right? If so, do you like how it highways? My '73 is going to be more on than off road, maybe even a DD, so I am interested in how it works for you.
Thanks

 

[badmix]

lol..yeah I edited my post after rereading yours. Id leave the pump, but check your pan for warpege.

Yea ive got rough country 2" spring lift with 33" M/T baja radials. Im running 4:10 gears w/ 700r and loc rite locker in the back. It is a great combo. I can run 65-70mph at around 2100rpm and get about 13-14mpg if I take it easy. My truck is a joy to drive (esp. after rebuilding hte suspension and steering components). If the 10bolt was beefier and stronger Id have gone to 35s but I didnt want to chance it and didnt really want to lift it any more.

Ive driven my truck from FLorida to WV with no issues. It was nice and comfy.

 

[Kenny78]

I think your right about the pump. And I bought a one piece pan gasket so it should be reusable(F***ing better ber for $25). And thanks for the info on 2" lifts.

 

[HumptyDumpty79]

If you are going to have the pan off it wouldnt hurt to replace the oil pump. I replaced mine when i did the rear main. Just make sure you tighten the one freaken bolt that holds the oil pump in place. I had to do it twice because i didnt tighten the bolt therefore it didnt build oil pressure when i "finished". Its not hard at all to do if you already have the pan off. My oil pressure went up roughly 8 psi.

 

[m-4x4-chevy]

While your in there, put in a high volume oil pump. Don't use the optional high pressure spring. Pressure was too high. More volume and a little more pressure that goes with it is good for wheeling. Get a name brand heavy duty pump shaft to go with the high volume pump. I also replace the rear main seal when I have the pan off. It's actually quite easy. Get a seal install kit and just follow the directions. Loctite the pump bolts.

 

[Kenny78]

I went ahead and replaced the pump. Standard Mellin pump, HD shaft, and screen. One week and absolutely no oil leaks. I get it tuned up(thanks to the timing tab that I had to install) and now my high idle is sticking and I have an oil leak on the front. I used a FelPro one piece gasket and Right stuff to seal the pan. I thought I did a good job, but obviously not. I guess I will try to work more efficiently this time so the Right Stuff wont set up. Maybe get around to installing collector gaskets. Off topic; my neighborhood is completely locked down while the cops find these piece of ****s that shot one or two of the officers. So much for Owasso being a quiet suburb!

 

[reddog64]

I found even with the nice one piece i had to dab a little silicon on the 4 corners by the crank...