Stubborn oil pan removal

This is the story; I recently had my transmission and transfer case rebuilt. They are patiently waiting to be reinstalled. Today, I removed my front differential and sent it off to be rebuilt, and picked up a new clutch kit at the dealership. I figured I would do the oil pan gasket, while I had the front differential out. To my dismay this oil pan has been the bane of my existence! It will not come off!! I don’t want to compromise sealing properties with sharp objects, like a chisel or screwdriver. Any advice as to safety remove the oil pan gasket without damaging anything? It’s crazy that I had no problems with removing everything else... something that seems so simple is racking my brain!!!

This bastard oil pan!!!

 

Stick a crow bar into it and rip it out. Then buy my oil pan. I’m replacing mine with a rear sump oil pan for an engine swap, so I won’t need it. Just an option should you destroy yours.

 

I’ll keep that in mind but I would rather not. Thank you.

 

Can you get a stiff putty knife in the edge and work your way around the outside?

 

Well if it's on there so good and it's not leaking.....

 

Understood. Just posing an option. Most likely you have sealant that doesn’t want to release or a bolt you forgot to remove.

 

Use a thin full-flex putty knife. Or just rip it out and buy a new one. They're like 50 bucks.

 

I’ve tried that but it’s like super sealed. Almost melted together...

 

Really... $50! Well maybe I’m over thinking my approach!

 

Like I said...

 

Haha. Well all the bolts are out. I’m going to finish this beer and go to town! Thanks man!

 

Make sure you procure said oil pan first! Also, be careful around engine block mating surface.

Usually beer and my frustrations don’t mix well. Always can save that beer for another day!

 

I just want to do some preventative maintenance, before I slap the rebuilt front diff on.

 

And with it off you can check on the oil pump, clean the screen, and look for anything disturbing in the pan.

 

Oil pans arent really something that people have to replace even with high mileage, unless it's rusting through or something

 

Got it!! Putty knife to the rescue! That just took way longer then expected. Thanks!

 

Yeah, I’d be more concerned with fuel filter, bushings, frame rust, whirled peas, 2020 elections, next beer run,...

 

Haha Frame has been in AZ it’s whole life, and I’ve done almost everything under the sun mechanically, but the 2020 elections I have no control of. Whirled peas? I’m drinking another beer!

 

(World peace)
Oil pan is off, cheers to another beer!

AZ truck. I’m jealous. Tried pulling the lower control arms off my ‘01 parts truck thinking they might have some sellable value. After pulling the long bushing cam bolts and banging the sh*t out of the cam adjusters with a 3 lb sledge I just gave up. Rust has bound it up more or less permanently. Oh well, beer always makes it better.

 

Air hammer ftw. I banged on mine for way too long, then borrowed one and had them out in 30 seconds.