Dropping the oil pan in a 3.0

[miner88]

I had a bad seal in my 88 4runner so I'm dropping the pan to replace it. I have the bell housing unbolted and the pan is all unbolted. so I was ready to have it pulled and there is a hold up inside the pan. I belileve it is the siphon but am at a loss as to how to release it. do I need to pull the bell housing out more to shift it back more? pull down harder and risk braking the siphon? Thanks for the responses.

 

[Bad_Vision]

the siphon is bolted to the block so you'll have to unbolt it to get it off.
the oil pan is not recommended to be dropped with the engine in the truck for this very reason its really hard to get at and you will cause more damage.

 

[Hyde802]

You could pull the front diff to help drop the pan. Or pull one motor mount and lift the motor up a little. Still wont be able to get the pan out, but could scrape off the old gasket and apply some new rtv.

 

[miner88]

clearance isn't a problem. I have a 5 inch lift. its the siphon inside that feels like it is keeping it from dropping and I wasn't sure if maybe the siphon was somehow attached. I have plenty of clearance underneath otherwise.

 

[SV_Dude]

The siphon is not attached to the pan. You just gotta wiggle it in the right direction to get it out. Once you see the pan then it will make good sense and you should not have any problems putting it back in.