serial number 33,647
top leaf, two center u bolt clips and head of center bolt on equalizer spring have worn into engine oil pan saddle. Which has caused the pan to crack around the dimple. The oil pan needs to be replaced or repaired and possibly u bolt clips. We are concerned that the pressure points are not correct between the u bolt clips, upper leaf and oil pan?! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andy

Pictures would probably be helpful but the oil pan should be cast steel and could be welded and reshaped .

The pan is cast iron.
I once repaired one using Ni99 rod, short welds, never letting the metal get hot and loads of pinging with the chipping hammer. Coated the inside with an epoxy afterwards in case there were any leaks.
It lasted a few years but eventually gave in again and I found another pan.

Here is some pictures

Hello Neighbor!
I don’t have any experience with a D4 but it appears the spring bolt may have had a regular hex head instead of a more normal (for a spring) cylindrical head with a screwdriver slot. In any event the head of the spring bolt has put abnormal pressure and impact on the underside of the dimple. That appears to be a less extensive break than many are described to be and might not be impossible to repair long term by welding or brazing or even a combination of welding on the outside and brazing on the inside. I wonder if a “pad” of perhaps 1/8”- 3/16 thick rectangle of mild steel in between the ground down repaired area and the top of the spring might help prevent future cracking.

30 years ago had D4 a lot more cracked than this - old timer set it in some kind of fire pit and acetylene brazed it back together. Still Good. Bob

Is the spring even supposed to make contact with the pan?

The spring actually supports the engine. a small round center-bolt is OK, Should be no interference to create stress risers.. The u bolts help the side to side movement and keep the spring in postilion on the chassis