4.0 OHV Oil pan gasket replacement

[e21pilot]

The A4LD in my 1992 2wd Ranger is going to be pulled out of the truck for a while and I was wondering if this makes it easy to remove the oil pan to replace the leaking gasket. I had heard the 4.0 OHV V6 had to be pulled out to do this and I was hoping that is not the case.

 

[NakedDucks]

It has to be pulled. Or at least jacked up, which is basically pulling it.

Part of the pan has to be lined up with a straight edge, so in my opinion, pulling the engine is best bc you have complete access.

And while it’s out, may as well replace all the gaskets.

Just my opinion.

 

[e21pilot]

I don't have an engine puller but I do have a floor jack. How high must it be lifted to clear the crank/oil pump pickup? Is the transmission and starter are missing, I figured it would be easier to take out at this time. If i could undo the motor mounts and lift it with a floor jack, I could put some wooden blocks in as spacers between the mounts to hold it up while I am taking the pan off. Just have to figure out how to put the jack to lift it with the transmission missing.

 

[NakedDucks]

I’m sure it’s possible, but not very safe with a floor jack.

A motor hoist is best in the situation. You can homemake an A-Frame with 6x6 or 4x4 posts if you are so inclined.

 

[e21pilot]

That's an idea. Once I get the block elevated, am I right that the pan gasket is simple to replace? Does it need any silicone in spots or is it good enough to use the gasket with the correct bolt torque?

 

[NakedDucks]

Anywhere the block meets another part (front or rear cover) or when a pan dips down to go around the front or rear valley of the crankshaft.

 

[e21pilot]

I'm going to give this a try. If I am successful in getting it elevated, I'll need to buy a good pan gasket. Since this is a difficult job, I wonder if there is a recommended gasket set to buy, or just go with whats at the local parts store. I really don't mind paying a little extra for a better gasket if it will prevent me from having to do this job again!

 

[rumblecloud]

I'm going to give this a try. If I am successful in getting it elevated, I'll need to buy a good pan gasket. Since this is a difficult job, I wonder if there is a recommended gasket set to buy, or just go with whats at the local parts store. I really don't mind paying a little extra for a better gasket if it will prevent me from having to do this job again!

I've used Fel-Pro through Rock Auto and never had a bad experience. Others may have a different "favorite" so give 'em some time to make their recommendations.

 

[Shran]

Your silicone question depends on what gasket you use... some 4.0 oil pan gaskets specifically say DO NOT USE RTV.

I would not use a floor jack. I can't see how you could position it to work at all... the engine really needs to be lifted from above somehow. I haven't done a 4.0 pan gasket with the engine in the truck... I think it's possible, you can definitely do a 4 cylinder that way without even lifting the engine and the pan on that is very similiar to a 4.0 pan.

Not sure what part needs to be lined up with a straight edge - I've always just kinda dropped the pan on and slowly sucked it down with the bolts... it self centers into its happy zone. The timing cover is far more critical though.