Hey guys, I just underwent the infuriating process of removing all the oil pan bolts to drop the pan, but I cant get it out. I've been at it with a hammer for a while, and it's hangin up on EVERYTHING, mainly the tranny. Is there a trick to removing it, or can I just put in a new gasket with it only lowered a couple inches or is the crank gonna be in the way? Do I really need to clean out the sludge inside it? I need help quick cause I've gotta drive this thing to work!

 

not sure on a "01" but my "96" the pan just dropped straight down and slid out the rear without much trouble, is the gasket still attached to the pan/block? that may be whats hanging up on the crank/tranny?. If you are using a one pc. gasket you should be able to change gaskets without completely removing the pan without to much trouble.if you have a lot of sludge build up it would be a good idea to find a way to get the pan out and clean it up.

 

You could be hanging up on the pickup tube inside the pan........No Hammers!