Hello. I bought a 93 Dakota with a 5.2, 4x4 auto, not too long ago. I noticed she's pretty gunked up under the valve covers and was wanting to flush it, but i don't want to loosten everything up without removing the oil pan, cleaning, and cleaning the pickup screen. I'm just wondering if anyone knows whether it's possible to remove the oil pan while the motor is still in the vehicle. I removed my oil pan on my 99 Ram with a 5.2 but wasn't able to come up with any info on searches. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

It is possible, yes, but you have to remove the center link and front axle to get it out.

 

What do you think would be easiest than? Pull the motor or the front axle and link? It's gotta be easier to pull the motor on these than it is a ram with the motor tucked back in the firewall so far, heh.

 

It would be much easier to pull the axle and center link!

 

Thanks

 

How about the same procedure on a 2WD? Pull pan with engine / trans in truck? What would have to come out first?