I have to drop the oil pan on my 2002 1500 with 5.9 gas engine. The steps in the manual that I'm dreading are: remove exhaust pipe, remove left engine to transmission strut, loosen right side engine support bracket cushion thru-bolt and raise engine slightly. Man! Do I really have to do all that? I know alot of y'all have done this and I'm hoping someone will say, "Naah, all ya gotta do is...", but I'll do what I have to. Thanks.

 

That's probably needed to get clearance for the oil pan to come out. I remember a '66 LeMans I had: It seemed to need an oil pump or at least a good screen cleaning. The first step in the manual: "Remove the hood." Uh, oh.

 

Funeee! Yeah, there were a couple of steps I didn't need to do when taking of the timing chain cover. Hope this deal is the same.
I had a 69 Le Mans a long time ago. I really liked that car. Wish I still had it.
Thanks for the input!

 

Yep. my 2006 w/5.7 4WD.. the oil pan pickup clogged. had to lift motor to wiggle the pan out.

I loosened both side motor mounts - 2X4 (verticle) under a flat spot on the right side of the engine block with a jack underneath and raised it about 3-4 inches. The job called for a bracket and a motor lift while disconnecting cables and hoses up top. Didn't need any of that, just raised slow and watched for binding. Too much can bust a mount as they don't completely disconnect. Wasn't too bad after all the figuring out. Had to disconnect the pickup by feeling around / unbolting it inside the pan due to it wont slide out cuz it's tight, but can get hand in there. Wiggle and cuss it backward and just think how good you'll be at doing it the next time.

BTW: I replaced the bearings due to a rod knocking after loss of oil pressure. Was a slim chance of working, BUT was looking at a rebuild for thousands. Found 2 worn bearings .. worked the crank with emery cloth, shoved it back together and prayed. that was 14000 miles ago and running great. Damn, I got lucky!

 

That sounds good. I've been asking around hoping to borrow a lift but haven't scored yet. Its great to know your wood block and jack technique will work! Thanks!