Oil pan removal question

[Jobe72]

I have a 1972 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with stock 350/350.
I need to reseal the timing chain and oil pan, can the oil pan be removed with the engine in the truck? Looks like it's pretty tight fit between the front cross memeber at the oil pan. This is my faily driver right now so I don't want to get half way into the job and realize I'm screwed!

Going to replace the timing gears/chain and oil pump while I"m in there, who knows how old the ones in there are!

Thanks

[JORGIE95961]

Originally Posted by Jobe72

I have a 1972 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with stock 350/350.
I need to reseal the timing chain and oil pan, can the oil pan be removed with the engine in the truck? Looks like it's pretty tight fit between the front cross memeber at the oil pan. This is my faily driver right now so I don't want to get half way into the job and realize I'm screwed!

Going to replace the timing gears/chain and oil pump while I"m in there, who knows how old the ones in there are!

Thanks

honestly it can but its easier to take it out ar at least lift it im my opinion... the option is to drop the front end

[txriverrat]

You don't have to pull the motor. What I did was unbolt the motor mounts and jack the engine up a few inches, then insert 2x4 blocks between the mounts and frame to hold the engine up a few inches. More than enough room to get the job done, and lots quicker than pulling the whole thing out.

[Jobe72]

Thanks, there is no way I'm going to pull it out. I do have a cherry picker I could lift it up with though.

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by txriverrat

You don't have to pull the motor. What I did was unbolt the motor mounts and jack the engine up a few inches, then insert 2x4 blocks between the mounts and frame to hold the engine up a few inches. More than enough room to get the job done, and lots quicker than pulling the whole thing out.

that is the way it is recomended in the factory service manual

i've found it works better with using a 1/4 drive ratchet and especcially a long extension in the deep part of the pan

[lt704]

I don't want to steal this thread, but i have to change my oil pan gasket to. I have a 350 engine in my 68 ( was a six cyl. ). This winter put new motor mounts in using a cherry picker, it was very tight. If i took out the distribitor and did the same above would that give me the room? Thanks...Russ

[VetteVet]

Originally Posted by lt704

I don't want to steal this thread, but i have to change my oil pan gasket to. I have a 350 engine in my 68 ( was a six cyl. ). This winter put new motor mounts in using a cherry picker, it was very tight. If i took out the distribitor and did the same above would that give me the room? Thanks...Russ

Yes but you might get away with just pulling the cap and rotor. It'd save you a lot of trouble not having to re-time it.

[lt704]

Once again thanks for helping with the information VetteVet.....Russ

[eightbanger]

I know this is the way to do this...BUT! where abouts are you guys putting the jack? crossmember is in the way, can't jack from the pan for obvious reasons, so all's left as far as I can tell is the bottom of the Harmonic Balancer.

[GASoline71]

Not using a jack from below... using a cherry picker from above.

Gary