231 Odd Fire Oil Filter Relocation

whats the best kit or way to relocate the oil filter on a 231 OF in a m38? front pumpkin tapped the filter when going over a big bump in the road and need to change something. maybe the springs are more of an issue and not filter location as much(?). any and all experiences appreciated

 

More Information for HAYDEN 291
One option is to move it. The other is to get some springs that have some arch to them. Moving the filter is simply putting a band-aid on the spring issue. If you still have the original c-shackles, you could easily gain 1/2" there by putting on some taller shackles.

 

Note that if you increase the spring arch, you should block the axle from coming up and hitting the filter at full suspension compression.

Indeed, this is an option without doing anything else. The AMC V8s, when first installed in CJs, had a similar problem. In suspension full compression (axle bumper and motor mounts fully compressed), the axle housing would tap the oil pressure relief valve bore. This would dent the bore and freeze the OP piston, usually resulting in no OP. Jeep's near-term solution was to install a 1/2" thick flat steel spacer between the frame and axle bumper, limiting the axle upward travel. Eventually they redesigned the oil pump cover to move the relief valve out of harm's way.

In this era, Jeep offered a remote filter kit for V8 CJs using parts made for the RHD Matador. I installed one of these kits on my '73 CJ-5 when it was first offered.

 

There are at least 3 (maybe more) different oil pump housings that bolt to the bottom of the timing cover casting, each pointing the oil filter in a different direction. Which direction of your current filter pointing? Is it true horizontal, or does it angle downward some too? Some point forward, 45*, or sideways. You can also use short or long filters.
Buick 198, 225, and 231 V6, and Buick 215 and Rover V8s all offer choices.
-Donny

 

i appreciate all the information, guys. the filter is horizontal at an angle towards the right front tire. its not too big, maybe 2.5" in diameter and 3" long.

 

I believe that Summit Racing sells a remote oil filter kit for Buick V6 engines. About $50 - $60. There are several manufacturers.