Oil Pan Gasket

[2001Ranger4x4]

So i have a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4. I went to get my oil changed today and also a oil leak checked out. They said at the shop it was a oil pan gasket and it would cost $717. So I decided not to do it. I got home and looked myself and I'm wondering how in the heck it cost $717. Its not like I need to take the whole oil pan out just the lower half which is simply held on by some bolts. I can see I'll have about 4 or 5 in to work with putting in the new oil pan gasket, but i see on the forums people saying take the engine out and everything. My question is why? I don't see how I would need to raise the engine at all. My other question is what's the ban behind the oil pan? I noticed something dripping from there too. Its about 8 or 9 in away from the oil pan and is just held on by like 6 bolts.

Pan behind oil pan:

Oil Pan:

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

First off, congratulations on your first post and welcome to the forum.

2ndly, this is the 2.9L forum. That looks to me like the bottom of a SOHC 4.0.

And for your answer,
That is not necessarily your oil pan, more like a cover. Look higher, the upper aluminum half of the oil pan is probably where the leak is. But here's the kicker, it's also all the main caps for the crankshaft journals. And yes, engine removal is necessary, as well as an experienced tech.

And the other pan, that's your transmission pan. Not knowing that, you probably shouldn't be wrenchin on your truck without supervision.

 

[dave2575]

"And the other pan, that's your transmission pan. Not knowing that, you probably shouldn't be wrenchin on your truck without supervision."