What is this plate on my oil pan???

[Charlie207]

Aluminum is non magnetic. It you live in a cold climate and want to connect a magnetic pan oil warmer then I assume the plate would serve just that purpose.

Can this location easily be reached on a 4x4 model? Others have said it's right above the front diff.

 

[paulwaul1369]

I am curious what this plate is on the oil pan of my 5.3L 2008 Suburban LTZ 2WD.

At first I thought it was some kind of inspection plate but from looking at pics of the inside of the oil pan it doesn't appear to have a hole behind it.

So is it some kind of "skid plate" or is it some kind of reinforcement for the cast aluminum pan? Or???

View attachment 76983

Just kinda curious if anyone knows.

I'm about to find out. I'm changing the oil pump right now. I'm curious to see if it's a quick access to the oil pickup line that bolts to the oil pump. If its not a quick access i guess ill just continue to pull the pan since i already drained the oil. I'll send pics and updates on my findings.

 

[Geotrash]

I'm about to find out. I'm changing the oil pump right now. I'm curious to see if it's a quick access to the oil pickup line that bolts to the oil pump. If its not a quick access i guess ill just continue to pull the pan since i already drained the oil. I'll send pics and updates on my findings.

Nope, not a quick access.

 

[kbuskill]

I'm about to find out. I'm changing the oil pump right now. I'm curious to see if it's a quick access to the oil pickup line that bolts to the oil pump. If its not a quick access i guess ill just continue to pull the pan since i already drained the oil. I'll send pics and updates on my findings.

As mentioned above, unfortunately, not a quick access. Pan is solid on the inside.

 

[donjetman]

No access, I've had my pan off twice.
It may be for an optional oil pan heater/heating element???
Here's what the inside looks like:

 

[j91z28d1]

do the 2wd have the same pan plate?

 

[Tonyrodz]

Maybe @915_Tahoe might know what it's all about.

 

[kbuskill]

do the 2wd have the same pan plate?

Yes, mine is 2wd.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Maybe it had something to do with securing engine when shipping/transporting from the engine plant to the truck plant.

Or maybe when installing the engine to the frame.

Could just be some type of harmonic dampener to stop a NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) when the engine reaches a certain rpm or something

Would be interesting to know