Does anyone know if I can remove the oil pan without raising the motor or anything drastic in my 1996 V10 2500 4wd

 

According to the service manual for the 2001's, you do not. Just remove the left side engine to trans torque bar, then remove the pan bolts and pan. The gasket is re-usable if it's not cracked or damaged. I would think it's the same for the 96's.

 

I would think moving the starter out of the way, along with the trans dust shield, would make life a lot easier.

 

Raise the motor or take back the transmission.