I am in need of a new oil pan gaket on my 1997 dodge ram with the 5.9... I am getting mixed reviews from some people about one certain thing.. that thing is this.. some tell me that i have to raise the motor in the engine bay about 4 or 6 inches to be able to remove the pan and others are telling me that I dont need to do that just remove the bolts and the pan will come right off no problems.. would some of you guys share your insight and let me know who is right and who is wrong??

 

If it is a 4x4, then no, you don't need to lift the motor. (I have done mine a couple times...... and never had to touch the engine mount bolts.)

 

you had replied back to another post of mine saying the same thing... i went to do it this past weekend and a buddy of mine stopped by that works at a local dealership as a mechanic told me that I needed to lift the engine thats reason for me asking.. when a mechanic was telling me that I figured he would know.. just wanting to get some different feedback from people..

 

I have actually dropped my oil pan twice. There was plenty of room to the the oil pan out. (or was that three times?????) Get to do it again here soon too, and I won't be lifting the engine this time either.

 

I have a 4x2 and have done this twice. Never lifted the engine. It's a PITA but can be done.

As far as the replacement gasket, get the one with the metal stiffeners along the sides. Also, zip ties work great to hold it in place while it's lined up and a few starter bolts installed.

 

Ive had mine off 2 times as well. Piece of cake, never had to touch the engine mounts.

 

same here - no need to lift engine and several inches to spare. (4wd).

but has anyone been able to get the oil pan off w/o removing the damn starter?

 

Nope cause 2 bolts are behind the inspection plate.

 

when i had the inspection plate off, and saw how the starter area had a large hole for the bendix/gear, and a couple of smaller holes for the bolts.... i considered cutting the top out of all 3 holes, so that the inspection plate could slide in and out without removing the damn starter.

would that work - or would water, dirt, mud, etc get in and mess up something?

 

I have to do contortions to get mine to come out... various things in the way, so, even slotted hole wouldn't really help in my case.