2.3L ('83-'97) Oil pan removal while engine still installed

[rdsrds123]

Is it possible to remove and swap oil pans in 83-92 Rangers w/o removing the engine from the truck? Can the engine be lifted a bit without removing it to do this?

 

[scotts90ranger]

I hear it's doable but not easy...

 

[Shran]

Yes, I have done it on a 96. The transmission has to be removed. That's a relatively easy job though on a 4 cylinder, much easier than pulling the engine. Same process on 88-92, they have cast aluminum oil pans that are partially bolted to the transmission.

I believe they had stamped steel oil pans prior to 1988. It might be possible to wiggle that out with the trans in place but I have never tried it.