3rz balance shaft chain removal in car

Spun balance shaft bearing now I need to remove the chain that drives the balancers. I dont want to drop the engine so this will be done in the car. My plan is to remove all motor accessories around the timing cover like ac, ps, alternator, fan and rad assembly to gain access.

The problem I see is the two oil pickup bolts that I need to remove in order to take the timing cover out. My truck is a 4x4 so it has the front drive components obstructing the oil pan. Ill be dropping the oil pan and hopefully that will give me enough room.

Any potential obstacles Im not seeing?

 

Hopefully BamaToy will chime in here... He's done this exact thing in his truck.

I'll be of no help, I have the Racing edition of the 3rz with factory-deleted balance shafts.

Also referred to as the 2rz

 

ill be ripping it apart in the morning, hope all goes well.

 

I take it you opted to remove the engine?

 

I think I have to since I don't see a way to re seal the oil pan with the tight clearance with out dropping the front diff. Does the 3rz use a oil pan gasket or straight rtv?

 

Oh I just realized that pic was your Sig haha. I think it's rtv from the pics I've seen in build threads but not sure