i gota 98 ram 1500 5.9 im trying to get the oil pan off the check the oil pump and screen to see it it clogged up i got all the bolts off except for 2 i can get to because there up tight closest to transmission i kno i shouldnt have to drop transmission to take of oil pan should i

 

Nope, don't have to drop the trans., remove the inspection plate from it. Even easier on a 4x4 if you put the frame on jackstands and let the front axle hang.

 

and to remove the inspection plate you will also need to remove the starter.. the top bolt is fun. nothing to hard if you don't have huge hands.

 

also a tip.... get 4 extra bolts that will thread in the holes (cut @ 1.5") to help guide the oil pan in place then put 2 oil pan bolts in finger tight then remove your guide bolts. ive done 2 oil pans on these trucks and it does help.. I believe the bolts are 5/16" but I could be wrong.

 

Fel-Pro Snap-ups are a tool for that. Makes it a lot easier.