Went to go change my oil today, and noticed that i had oil seeping down the back side of my oil pan. The oil pan has always seemed to be wet around the gasket area, but never actually dripped or seeped any. however, i plan on taking the pan off now and replacing the gasket and/or seeing if its my rear main seal(more than likely, if it is, i'm screwed lol)

i was looking in my haynes manual, and it says i have to get an engine hoist and take the engine mount bolts off and literally lift the engine up to get the pan out! you gotta be kidding me! has anyone done it a different way? whats the easiest way to do it? is it even possible without lifting the engine? just need some guidance here lol.

 

With a 4x4, you don't need to lift the motor. I have done a few times.... (don't ask.....) You have to wiggle a bit, but, it will come right out without moving the motor. Doing the rear main while the pan is off isn't a bad idea either... might even consider replacing the oil pump while you are in there.

 

i was thinking about doing all that too...but i'm super low on cash and that probably wont happen for a while, i was just curious if the pan can be removed without too much hassle lol. thanks bud!

 

FWIW in my Dakota now that the front axle is gone, it's about a 1/2 hour job to drop the pan, not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

 

rub it in...lol

 

Bit extreme removing the front axle for that job though, isn't it??

 

on my 01, oil pan removal did NOT require raising the engine, or dropping the exhaust. it DID require the removal of the torque converter/flex plate inspection cover, which required removal of the starter. after all that, the oil pan slipped out easily with only a tad of wiggling.

there's a good DIY on pavement, as well as Haynes and 01 Service Manual. be sure and use the anaerobic flange sealer and RTV as instructed. also retorque the main bearings to spec and sequence. And lastly don't put the rear main seal in backwards!!!

 

Mine came out without removing inspection plate, but It was a pita

 

Raise the front of the truck (at the frame under radiator, not axle) you will gain all kinds of clearance ( at least on a 4x4). And here is the DIY you want to read for the rest of the info. http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-31.html

 

thanks zman for that link! it will be extremely helpful in the future when i tackle this job lol.