I have a 97 4.6, V8, 4x4 Supercab and need to remove the oil pan to replace the gasket. At least I believe this is where the leak is coming from. What do I need to do to remove the oil pan? Sounds like lifting the engine, however some help would be appreciated.

 

With the 4x4 you have to lower the front axle. Support the front axle with a jack and then remove the axle support. There are 4 bolts holding it to the frame and one holding the differential to the support. Then remove the bolts that hold the front axle to the frame and lower it out of the way. Remove the oil pan.


JMC

 

what about on a 2wd? is there enough room to just drop the pan? or do i need to lift the engine because the cross member is too close?

 

According to my dealer, on my 4x2 the engine needs to be lifted to pull the oilpan. Looking underneath I agree with the techs.

Fritz

 

You have to remove the Throttle body and elbow to be able to raise the engine enough to pull the pan. The EGR tube also has to be moved out of the way.

JMC

 

Do I still have to lift the engine, besides lowering the front axle? It appears that if I were to drop the Cross member beam that I would have access to the oil pan for removal.

 

No, you don't need to lift the engine with a 4x4.

JMC

 

How difficult is this? How much does the front axle need to be lowered?

I need to replace the oil pan gasket on my 5.4L 4x4 F150. The Haynes manual says to use an engine lift in order gain enough clearance. Personally dropping the front axle sounds a lot easier but I only have a 3 ton floor jack.

 

Where is your actual leak, could it be the rear main seal? Or is it just around the pan?

 

spray,

Your whole truck weighs less than 3 tons. Your jack will be enough to lower the axle. Have a look under your truck and judge for yourself. Getting the front axle down is not difficult. You should support the front of the truck on jack stands but it is not necessary. If you do use stands make sure that you place them in a spot on the frame that will not interfere with the movement of the front axle.

JMC

 

JMC,
I wasn't worried about the actual weight of the axle, just mainly the size and awkwardness of it. I'd rather not have the axle slip of the perch of the jack for some odd reason and I end up being in a world of %^&*. I'll take a look later tonight when I'm flushing my brake system and change front pads.

 

Get some ratchet straps and tie it to the jack so it doesn't fall off.

JMC

 

It could be by the front seal, but until I have it in the air & really get a good look, I assumed the oil pan because of the location of the leaks. OK what's in store for me for replacing the main seal?

I'm picking up my Haynes book tonight so.....

 

Oil travels back and down. An other known sourse for leaks is the Power Steering hose at the swivel joint on the pump. To replace thefront main seal is no big problem. You will need a puller. Pop off the crank pulley (the fan is in the way so it needs to be removed first) and then the seal. Install new seal then the pulley. Don't forget to lube the new seal.

JMC

 

anyone else think this might be a head gasket oil leak
mitchykins