Oil Pan Removal '88 5.7

[HenryGriffith]

How the heck do I remove the oil pan in my 88 1/2 ton 4x4 w/automatic transmission? I've done all the items mentioned in the service manual: remove crossover exhaust pipe; remove transmission convertor housing pan; remove starter; remove strut rods at engine mount; remove oil dipstick and tube.
The oil pan is loose with all bolts removed, but there is not enough clearance between the oil pan and front drive shafts to move the oil pan out. The manuals show you need to raise the engine only for the 7.4 leter engine, not the 5.7.
Any suggestions?

[victoryauto]

We have done a few of these at my shop. You have to pull the bolts loose for the front differential pad and pry down while you take the pan off. That is the easy and fastest way I can tell you. We had the same problems until we started taking the front differential bolts loose to drop it down just enough to get it off. Hope this helps.

[HenryGriffith]

Dear Victory Auto,
Thanks so much for your excellent instructions. I removed the front differential attachment bolts and the oil pan slipped right out. Replacing the oil pump was a snap as was re-installing the oil pan. Until your advice was posted I was about to get out my engine hoist.
If these forums have a way of rating peoples replies, yours deserves an A+. You should contact GM and Chilton regarding their glaring omission in their instructions and set them straight; along with an invoice for future royalties of their ammended manuals.