I am new to the forum and so far enjoy the info. I have a 1989 F150 SuperCab that now has about 150K miles. It is leaking oil from the pan gasket in a major way. I am ready to try to replace it and I am wondering if it is really necessary to remove the upper air intake manifold and radiator (per Haynes manual). Is it possible to just lower the pan and snake the gasket into position without lifting the engine? Any tips? I have a 5.0L with auto trans, 4x2. Thanks for any help.

 

Your proably going to have problems getting the old gasket off, it will take some scraping and you don't want any of the old gasket material staying in the pan. I've heard of people jacking up the engine as high as it will go with out removing the intake and radiator and reaching in and unbolting the pickup screen but i haven't tried it. Pulling off the plenum and radiator isn't really as bad as it sounds.

-Jon

 

The only thing you need to do is drain some coolant and disconect the radiator hoses. After disconnecting the radiator hoses unbolt the upper engine mounts. Then take a wood block and a jack. Place the wood block under the harmonic balancer. Then jack the the engine up by placing the jack under the wood block. That will give you enough clearance to remove the oil pan and install a new gasket. While you have all of this down check the pan see if it needs to be repainted or sanded.