I just bought my 97 F-150 last week and after closer inspection i see that i might need a new oil pan gasket. I didn' think it would be too hard to change it but after talking to a few people, i'm not sure anymore.. i was told that there was 1 big gasket on the outside and 2 in the middle of it and if your not careful when you put the pan back on, you could mess up the 2 middle ones and not get them lined up right. Also is it possible to change this without pulling the engine out??
There is also a whining sound when i accelerate and when i turn it feels like the steering is catching a little bit, i think it might be my power steering pump. How hard is this to replace?? Does anyone know of any online manuals that show pictures and explain how to replace these things??
Here are some of my truck specs:
97 F-150
4.6 v8
130,000 miles
2wd
automatic
If you need any other info, let me know. Thanks

 

There is only one gasket, however the two wheel drive version requires some finess and a lift to do the job with the engine in the truck. If it was a four wheeler, just remove the axle, the brace, and the oil pan will fall out and hit you in the head. The 2wd needs to have the pan unbolted, and lowered, then remove the oil pump screen bolts and drop the screen into the pan and then the gasket will come out of the front. Reinstall the gasket, then the screen and then bolt up the pan.

Robbie

 

The power steering pump is pretty straight forward, however you will need a puller/installer for the pulley which has to be installed onto the new pump.

Robbie