Oil pan gasket

[WiscoDisco]

Ok so I know this topic has been beaten to death. But I have a few things I need clarified and you guys are the expedts.

1. I know you are supposed to have to remove the front diff to completely drop the oil pan, however I was wondering if you can drop the pan a couple inches(diff still in) scrape the fipg off and then replace it with one of the preformed gaskets and slide it back into place?

2. Has engine used one of the preformed gaskets? Did they work well? Or is it better to stick with the stock fipg

3. Is it even worth it to replace if my engine isn't leaking a significant amount, it's not even leaking enough to drip on the floor, just gets the bottom of the engine and bay all dirty

Thanks!

 

[MandAtaco]

1. You need to pull the diff, there is NO room between the diff and the oil pan, thats what makes pulling the front diff such a pain. You really can't even get to the bolts to drop the pan with the diff in the way.

2. Use FIPG, its the best.

3. Up to you really. Check to make sure it is the pan and not the valve cover gaskets. My 96 VC gaskets were leaking so bad it coated everything under the truck.

 

[OldManKamps]

Ok so I know this topic has been beaten to death. But I have a few things I need clarified and you guys are the expedts.

1. I know you are supposed to have to remove the front diff to completely drop the oil pan, however I was wondering if you can drop the pan a couple inches(diff still in) scrape the fipg off and then replace it with one of the preformed gaskets and slide it back into place?

2. Has engine used one of the preformed gaskets? Did they work well? Or is it better to stick with the stock fipg

3. Is it even worth it to replace if my engine isn't leaking a significant amount, it's not even leaking enough to drip on the floor, just gets the bottom of the engine and bay all dirty

Thanks!

I'm in the process of getting the parts for this job too!! We should stay in contact to give tips and tricks and help each other because this job is going to be a pain. Here's a tip for you, download the Factory Service Manual and read through the guide to remove the front differential! It's quite handy. Also, why are you replacing your pan? Mine is rusting through.

EDIT: The pages on the factory service manual .pdf are 1059-1060, and 1072. That includes drive shaft removal and differential removal. Here is where you can download it. http://web.archive.org/web/20110102225436/http://www.ncttora.com/FSM/

 

[Myrunr2010]

I just did this a few weeks ago. I do not think you could lower it far enough without removing the diff. You would have trouble getting it worked on around the oil pick up if you could, and removing all the old FIPG was tough enough with the oil pan off, I cannot fathom trying to do it while it was only slightly lowered.

I asked my mechanic if I should go with FIPG or just a felpro gasket. He said flip a coin, his boys said don't use anything but FIPG.

I was unable to wiggle the diff out without removing the cross member mount from the diff itself. Once I did that it literally fell out.

Lastly, don't be a fool like I was. Make sure you pull your dipstick out during re installation. I guess I have somehow bent mine over or pinched it. It won't come out, so I have to drop the oil pan again.

 

[WiscoDisco]

I think I'm going to clean it all up, and see where it's coming from for sure, I have a feeling mine is actually coming from vc, i didn't realize it could drip that far. I just assumed I had 2 leaks