[Scout]

Is it possible to torch the cross member out of an Eldo and then just unbolt and remove the pan? Will the frame collapse?

What's the next best option (model and years) for a oil pan if I don't need the sump all the way to ther rear? I know some cads had a mid sump pan - are they all the same? Or is there different capacities and sump positions for the "mid" sump pan?

 

[lux hauler]

There is no "easy way" to remove the pan from an Eldorado. The part that is in the way is the front drive axle. I would think it would be easier to pull the motor/trans than to try and cut through all of that.
Mid-sump pans were used in '77-'81 rear drive cars with the 368 and 425.
There was another rear sump besides the one in the '68-'77 Eldos. It was used in '80 and '81 on 368's and the 4-6-8 motors (Eldorados and Sevilles). These only have one drain plug whereas the rear sump pans in the older Eldorados had two plugs.
Make sure that you get the pick-up tube from the doner motor and look to see where the dipstick tube is located.
You might have to "clearance" the mid sump pan for use on a 500. I've heard that it only takes a few small dimples in the pan for the rod bolts to clear it.

 

[Scout]

Thanks for the info. How about cutting off the brackets that hold the front axle? Sorry I've never seen an Eldo setup.

What's a 4-6-8 engine? I think I saw a 368 the other day. Probably still need to pull the engine to remove the pan though.

 

[lux hauler]

The 4-6-8 motor was a engineering flop from the early eighties. It was the motor that would shut cylinders down when power wasn't needed. For example, on take-off it would run on all eight cylinders but while cruising with minimal load it would only run on 4 cylinders. It was a great idea but the technology of the time was lacking.
I'm not sure if it would be easy to remove the front axle on the Eldorado. Most people just pull the motor. From what I've heard, it's easier to pull the motor and trans as a unit as opposed to just pulling the motor.
I pulled the motor and trans as a unit when I pulled mine.