An update to the oil pan replacement. You do not have to raise the engine like the manual says that you do. I am not sure as to why it states that you do, but the pan has more than enough room to be removed. Actually it is a pretty painless job. Nothing too tricky about it once you know to remove the pan from the gasket/windage tray, then remove the 3 nuts & one bolt holding the oil pick up tube in (they also hold the windage tray in place). Another note, turns out the engine rebuilders snapped off one of the forward most bolts and beat the he** out of the pan up there also.

 

I was actually pretty surprised at how thick the oil pans actually are. I had one I thought was rotting out so I replaced it when I got my truck 5 years ago. The pan certainly had a pile of rust going on but I wasn't able to put a hammer through it when I got it off.

From what I remember I had to remove a cross member but there wasn't any jacking involved. My truck is only a 2wd so it's pretty easy to work on.

Steve

 

Yes, I had to remove the cross member as well. 4 bolts and came out very easy. I think I still have a very slight leak (probably due to the previous guys using a screwdriver on the sealing surface) so I am looking for some sort of metal strips that connect the holes together so as to maintain a tight seal between the bolts. I have not been able to find anything like that as of yet though. I may have to have something made. Anybody have any idea as to who, if anyone, makes something like that?

 

If you have the old windage tray to use as a template you could take some flat stock and make up a stiffener yourself. Did you get the broken fastener out or just leave it out?

I think it should be pretty easy to get a good seal if you use all of the fasteners. The windage tray has a rubber coating plus a bit of silicone for insurance and you are set to go.

Steve

 

Great idea. I will give that a shot