Hi I almost have the pan out on the 01 dakota,3.9,2wd automatic. I disconnected several things including removing starter ,distributor cap,[ distributor is no where near edge],brackets ,pan bolts,etc.I still have to let the spray loosen the exhaust bolts .so maybe that will help.
I was able to support the engine an raise it from the front at bottom ,around 4 inches ,but I'm still about a inch from getting the pan past the edge on the end where drain plug side is..
What's the best way to maneuver that pan outta the area an slide it out?..surprisingly no hoist .
I can use a bolt to steel bar an chain connected to engine across top if I have to but hope to get it our easier
Any info is appreciated

 

Got a little more space to manuver inside the pan now but it's still not off. I raised both areas to the max ,front engine an rear tranny area at overdrive support . I just cant get that 1 more inch angle for pan to clear!
I can get my hands inside there now though.


Can I get away with a gasket replacement now that I can get inside ,as long as I'm careful with clean up an fit .?

Heres a pic from inside area.
Does it look typical with nothing out of the ordinary ,?
Thanks

 

I don't see anything just offhand that I would consider 'cause for concern'. Getting the gasket on there without damaging it might be fun though. Getting around the oil pump pickup ain't gonna be easy.

 

As low as I got pan I can clean it up ,put gasket down inside pan in a sideways way an fish over ..I can get my little hands in there pretty well for that[ doubt I could on main seal though] I'll place on pan an ,if needed use a piece of string or a dab of sealer or use a piece o aluminum tape at side to temporarily keep holes in place ,..then loosely bolt pan up all around using gravity on the pan to my advantage.
Will I need to use rtv at the curve points .. just a dab ?
Heres old one .I broke it getting it off an it was intack/ fine before removal .
How can I tell if it was this vs the rear main leaking?
I saw a tiny drip at the bottom of bell housing only after driving.

 

yup that is how I did my pan gasket on my 99, just fished it thru around the oil pickup screen, I had enough room to do that but not to get the whole pan outta there... and I wasnt pulling the engine just for that.

 

YEP. !
I actually was able to turn the pan toward the passenger side after down an VERY EASY access !
I may change seals now..



I still wonder how to tell if my seals are bad before taking it apart..

 

I just replaced my rear main seal. I rented a hoist to lift the engine up, and a little forward. I had a tough time getting the new oil pan gasket on. Not much room under the truck to work. This is not a recommendation, but here is what I did:

Put about six, 1 and 1/2 inch long, dowels in the bolt holes.

I painted Permatex high tack gasket maker where the gasket was going. This held the gasket in place while I maneuvered the pan back on, put in a couple bolts and pulled the dowels out.

 

Curious how you interface with 50 different departments dealing with vehicle registration...... (one per state....) I suspect that is a malware site.

 

Yes likely malware. The comment has nothing to do with my thread...
I hope u can remove it

 

And he, and all of his posts, are history.