remove oil pan

[Karen]

Hello my name is Karen, I'm new to this site and have a problem.
I have a 85 ford ranger 4x4 2.8l v6. I replaced my flywheel and clutch plate. At the same time I thought I had an oil leak at the pan gasket. So with the trany removed and the truck on heavy duty jackstands I proceeded to remove the oil pan bolts. I tried to remove the oil pan but it wont drop down passed the oil pump to come out. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[adsm08]

If the transmission is still out undo the engine mounts and start picking it up. On the 4x4s you cannot remove the pan with the engine in place, it just doesn't fit.

 

[Karen]

Ok do I put the truck on stands or leave it on the ground? and is it easier to get the motor mount bolts out from top or go under the truck?

 

[adsm08]

Ok do I put the truck on stands or leave it on the ground? and is it easier to get the motor mount bolts out from top or go under the truck?

Do what works best for you. Having it on stands is going to give you more room to work underneath, but farther to reach up. Overhead clearance is also a factor. In my garage I have to let the air out of my tires to get enough room to lift the engine out, so on stands isnt an option for me. Frankly, with as close as you are going to be, I'd take the engine out completely, but I don't know your whole situation.

The engine mounts themselves bolt into the crossmember from below, but the engine sits on top of the mounts and is held to them by 1 18mm nut on each side which is most easily accessed either from above or through the wheel well, depending on the tools available.