[DeTomaso] oil pan removal

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/02/06 1:37:11 PM, diiulio at ix.netcom.com writes:

<< t does not appear that I have a removable cross member on my pre-L '72. 
can the oil pan be removed without pulling the engine?  >>

Practically, no. The engine in most cars will need to be raised up enough to 
allow the pan to drop, move foward enough to clear the front-mounted oil pump, 
then be somehow extracted from underneath. This means that virtually all the 
usual powertrain-removal steps must be done (radiator hoses, exhaust, starter 
etc) before jacking up the 700-lb unit and crawling underneath it to wrench & 
twist. One might as well pull the powertrain and be safe as well as having far 
more access to the parts & crossmember for removal. And if you're thinking of 
replacing the stock pan with a 10-quart, they are heavier, need more 
manipulation to get the new pump pickup into the extensive baffling, all while 
balancing the new pan gaskets & front/rear seals, etc, etc.

With some extra effort, the CROSSMEMBER can be removed without disturbing the 
powertrain, by using a Sawzall and a disc grinder to clean up the frame rails 
afterwards. Mike & Nancy Haney removed their crossmember during a Nor-Cal 
tech session with the engine in place, although it took several hours, several 
blades & Mike was filthy enough to warrant a shower at the conclusion! And 
remember, the e-brake bracket must also be cut free and made removeable, since the 
pan moves to the front before dropping. 

Cutting the crossmember is much easier done with the engine out. If the 
powertrain has never been disturbed in your car, I suggest pulling the engine & ZF, 
then replacing the oil pump driveshaft with a 4130-aftermarket, replacing the 
pilot bushing & throwout, flipping the ZF over & removing the bottom plate to 
inspect your ring gear bolts for safety wire, then cutting the crossmember & 
e-brake bracket. Pulling a main cap & a rod cap to inspect the bearings is 
pretty simple & only adds 1/2 hr to this exercise, but the peace-of-mind is worth 
something. All this can be done in one long day by one guy with a torque 
wrench & a list of specs,  but its more tolerable with help. All the parts needed, 
including a removeable crossmember replacement for the future, are available 
from your favorite vendor(s) very reasonably to have on hand before starting. 
Good luck- J DeRyke