88 Bronco II 2.9 Oil pan

[Mhfco6]

Grandpa just gave me this bronco and said my cousin dropped the pan to replace gasket but never finished. I think I know why he stopped.

I spent all day trying to get the oil pan off. I followed the Haynes manual guide plus removed the trans mount bolts and jacked the trans up. Motor is up about 3”-4” and hitting the firewall. I cannot get the pan off. I don’t even know where to start with removing the pick up tube and baffles. The old gasket is off except for the tabs in the rear. I cut them off flush with the mating surface and thinking about installing new gasket with rtv in the existing tab spots. Anyone got some tips to remove the pan or get the rest of the tabbed gasket out?

 

[franklin2]

Since you did not start this job, I would keep working on getting the pan off. You do not know how much of the old gasket ended up in the pan and you will lose oil pressure if there is any left in there.

I have never done a 2.9 in the vehicle, but I know on some vehicles you have to reach up in there and unbolt the pickup tube. I also know on some vehicles you have to turn the engine by hand to a certain spot so the crankshaft counterweights are more clear of where you need room. Be careful, do not break the distributor against the firewall and don't jamb the fan into the shroud too much. I bet you have already taken the fan off?

 

[Mhfco6]

Since you did not start this job, I would keep working on getting the pan off. You do not know how much of the old gasket ended up in the pan and you will lose oil pressure if there is any left in there.

I have never done a 2.9 in the vehicle, but I know on some vehicles you have to reach up in there and unbolt the pickup tube. I also know on some vehicles you have to turn the engine by hand to a certain spot so the crankshaft counterweights are more clear of where you need room. Be careful, do not break the distributor against the firewall and don't jamb the fan into the shroud too much. I bet you have already taken the fan off?

I removed the distributor and cap before I started the work, along with intake manifold. The radiator fan shroud has been unbolted to move with the fan. Thanks for this tips. I really need help on how to unbolt the baffles and pick up tube. Seems I might have enough room now but the internals may be hanging it up. I feel like the trans and tCase need to be unbolted and slide back to make room for the pan removal.

 

[Mhfco6]

What am I supposed to unbolt here??

 

[Mhfco6]

Another pic from front view. As you can see plenty of clearance between the pan in the block, but will not come out.

 

[franklin2]

Is it hanging up on the pickup tube assembly? I see it has 3 bolts. If it's hanging up on something else, don't worry about that.

 

[Mhfco6]

Is it hanging up on the pickup tube assembly? I see it has 3 bolts. If it's hanging up on something else, don't worry about that.

It might be, but I don’t know how to unbolt it. I have the trans mount/cross member, driveshafts removed and all the trans/motor bolts removed. Forgot the TC is bolted to the flywheel. I pulled the TC inspection plate to take the bolts off and tried turning the crank by hand and it is tight! Pulled the spark plugs and poured some oil down the holes. I’ll let that sit for a week or 2 and try again.

 

[franklin2]

If it was in the way, you could take the whole pump off since you have the distributor out. I see those aggravating torx screws holding it on there. The same type screws are also holding the pickup tube to the pump. Whichever would be easier to get loose IF it's in the way. There will be a driveshaft going to the pump itself that goes into the distributor. It should come out if you drop the pump down.

 

[franklin2]

P.S. The torx screws going into the block, not the torx screws holding the pump cover on.

 

[Mhfco6]

P.S. The torx screws going into the block, not the torx screws holding the pump cover on.

Thank you! This would save me a huge headache of removing trans then I would just have to concentrate on getting the pistons loose. Haynes says to drop the pick up tube and baffles. Would be easier getting to the 2 Torx pump bolts. Although I tried to unbolt them and it is a PITA. If I get the pump off how much are parts from the driveshaft going everywhere and will it just slide back up to reinstall? Any precision alignment?

 

[Mhfco6]

If the pick up tube assembly is holding me up the trans removal will be pointless. So the 3 screws facing the front of the truck? How in the hell they expect you to get to them without suffering, that’s crazy.

 

[gaz]

@Mhfco6 ,
The fasteners that hold the pick up tube and those that hold on the oil pump are tricky, even when the engine is out of the bay in an engine stand. I feel for you.

 

[Mhfco6]

@Mhfco6 ,
The fasteners that hold the pick up tube and those that hold on the oil pump are tricky, even when the engine is out of the bay in an engine stand. I feel for you.

Gas, I appreciate this info. Do you think the pick up tube or pump is keeping the pan from coming off?

 

[Uncle Gump]

If you pull the oil pump bolts... the pickup comes off with the pump.

I think you will still have trouble with transmission interference.

I've never done one of these... seems I remember people posting about it though.

 

[Mhfco6]

I honestly think it would be easier to pull trans then get to those bolts