I'm writing this post by request....

Actually changing the pump is very easy to do, but getting to it can be a PITA! The pump is bolted to the rear-most crankshaft cap.

1) Getting the oil pan off...

To get the oil pan off, the front axle and center link must be removed. To remove the front axle, unbolt the 6 bolts on each side holding the CV shafts on...

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Next, support the axle with a jack and remove the 2 bolts holding it on the engine mounts on each side...

Passenger side
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Drivers side
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*EDIT* There are 2 (or 3) more bolts holding the axle on toward the front of the pumpkin... I'll have to get pics in the next day or two.

To remove the center link...

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... undo the tie rods on either side and unbolt it from the pitman arm and idler arm. To undo these, remove the cotter pin and loosen the nut. Next, take a puller tool to remove the ball cups.

Next, remove the transmission dust sheild, and then unbolt the oil pan.

2) Getting the pump off

This is the oil pump...

(this is my 360 sitting upside down on an engine stand, so yours will be oriented just a bit different)
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To remove it, simply unbolt the two bolts holding it to the rear-most crankshaft cap and pull it out.

Unscrew the oil intake tube and thread it onto the new pump.

3) Prime the new pump.

This is important... Pour oil into the intake tube and turn the pump by hand until it comes out the other side.

4) Be sure to put the gasket in place and bolt the new pump on.

5) Reassemble everything.

I would also recommend replacing the rear main seal while your at it. To replace it, unbolt the rear crankshaft cap while you have the pump off, and push the old seal out with a very skinny flat head screwdriver and then push the new seal in. PAY ATTENTION TO THE ORIENTATION!

 

for the 2wd is it the same except taking the diff out?

 

I haven't spent any time under a 2wd, so I don't know what (if anything) is in the way of removing the oil pan. But once you get the oil pan off, it is the same.

 

Nice write up, but this only supports my previous inclination to find a dry sump, lol.