Are you able to drop the oil pan without having to take apart the steering linkages? Seems like a ton of work to get that apart if you have to...

 

Should be able to but also not sure as I changed mine with the engine out. Easiest way to do it I think (if its out already of course). It will also be easiest to change my water pump when that happens.

 

Two bolts that hold the idler arm to the side of the frame are all that you need to remove. Once you remove those you can pull the whole thing down and get that needed clearance to remove the pan.

 

Cool thanks!!! My parts from VB that I ordered on Monday are going to be here tomorrow 12/3 So I'll be ready then

 

Even easier. Take the two nuts off of your front engine mounts. Put your floor jack between your engine and tranny and jack it up a couple of inches. Be careful of course, while you're under there. Always use jack stands. Disconnect any thing else that might keep you from being able to jack up the engine. I can't think of anything off hand, but just do a visual check to be sure. While you've got the engine jacked up off of its mounts you can change the oil pan gasket. When you're done, lower it back down carefully onto its mounts. Put the two nuts back on the mounts and you're finished! Way easier than taking apart the steering linkage. IMO

 

and just use lots of RTV silicone. McKenna brand is what I use

 

Planning on changing the gasket and putting a baffle in here in a week or so after I pull the engine.

 

What's so hard about removing the two bolts that the hold idler arm brack to the chassis? IMO it's better to do both as there's not much clearance between the front of the oil pan and the crossmember.

 

So is the idler arm dismantle the better way to go or the jack/tranny procedure?? So confusing...lol..,

 

I do both. Drop the idler arm so you have enough room to take the pan out and jack the engine so theres enough clearance to work on the front bolts.

 

Just replaced my oil pan gasket. Now my steering seems to be pulling to the right. How may this be alleviated? Thanks in advance for any help.