3rz oil pan removal on 4x4??? Clearance issue!

Need to remove oil pan to access oil pickup. How do service the oil pan on 4x4 trucks with the front diff in the way? Removal shouldn't be a problem but sealing it back up with less than one inch clearance looks impossible.

 

Pull the motor mounts and jack the engine/tranny up. It should give you a couple extra inches of clearance.

 

I know this is an old thread, but what did you wind up doing to removal the oil pan? I am in the same boat? Thanks.

Gimp

 

I dropped the diff. It was not complicated but I did it on my driveway so there was some lifting getting it back in. Why do you need to get in there?

 

My old pan is leaking. Need to remove it. Also need to do some other engine work. Did you just drop the diff and put it on jack stands or did you completely remove it.

Gimp

 

I took the diff completely out when I did it.

Then there's this guy. Go to 5:30.
https://youtu.be/1X9nEY5RmRE?t=333

 

Yeah. I saw this too.....not a fan of just suspending things. Thought of putting it on jack stands.

Gimp

 

I disconnected the axles from the diff side and removed the diff completely. I left everything bolted on the hub end of the axle but I did remove the lower ball joint bolts (shoyuld be 4 per) With them removed I was able to hinge/swing the knuckles outward so the axles would slip out the diff. I had to pry between the diff and axle to release the lock ring inside. You will need to drain the diff since it will leak with the axle removed. I did the work on my driveway with jack stands. Removing the diff wasnt bad but I had do a "yoga arch" pose and lower the diff on my abs. Getting it in took some effort using the same body position. Suspending it like that looks sketch for how much the diff weights. Seems like its 70lbs +/-. Apologizes for the late response and good luck!