Hi Dodge fans, I searched around here and google. Is it hard to replace oil pan on a 1998 Ram 2WD -360 V8. Some say remove exhaust-- starter -- and some brackets and lift engine and do a human sacrifice. Others say just remove the brackets and the oil pan will come out. So which is it. Mine is rusted out and is starting to weep now. I'm on the road towing our little trailer for a camping trip in 2 weeks. Help.

Cheers
Kayakman

 

Exhaust should not be a problem. There are two bracves from the tranny to the engine that may need removed, but engine can remain in place. Several members here have done this to replace oil pump.

Someone posted a recommendation to take some fishing line to tie the gasket to the corner holes to hold it in place while installing the pan and whe you have bolts started, clip the line and remove.

I have not done this so cannot speak from experience, but there are a number of threads on this topic. If your pump is questionable, now would be the time to slap a new one in there also.

 

i did have to remove starter and flex plate cover in order to unhook the lip of the oil pan. i tried to avoid removing that cover, but i was unable to get it unhooked. you might have better luck.

i did not have to remove exhaust, nor raise the engine as the haynes manual says.

the hardest part was getting the starter off. mine was torqued super tight and i had to stack some extentions out beyond the engine mount or cooler lines or something. DO disconnect battery.

here's nice diy. lots of good one's over there.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-31.html

 

I dropped mine (4wd though) with no problems and didn't have to remove anything

 

Yea ok.

 

Starter and inspection plate MUST come off, in order to get the last couple bolts back there.

Two hour job, including cleanup. (with air tools....)

 

No I really didn't have to do anything besides take off the bolts that hold the pan on. It was a very easy job

 

Yea ok, LOL.

 

Thanks for all your info

 

I got mine off without removing the flex plate cover, it took just the right wiggle though. NO WAY, in any shape or form coming out without removing the starter or at least one of the brackets bolts to manuever around to get to the driver side pan bolts.....