How difficult is it to change the oil pan gasket on a 2WD 5.3L? I think mine is leaking and was hoping to change it during the cam/head swap. Can it be done without remove the transmission or lifting the motor? Thanks!

 

If you have a lift or some jack stands it takes about 30 min..
Get a tube of RTV and your set!

Take the cross member out thats right under the oil pan (15mm socket) 4 bolts
Take the steering rack out (22mm i think) 2 bolts
and start dropping the bolts from the pan (10mm) bunch of bolts
Dont forget the low oil level sensor connector.

also when you go to install everything, dont forget to snug the rear and front two bolts first it aligns the pan..
and put a dap of RTV ( i perfer black) on the front corners and rear cornes where the front and rear covers meet the block.

vola!

the gasket aint cheap either..

 

Ah that's easier than I thought! I was thinking the engine is bolted to the crossmember like in f-bodies.

 

Nope!!
You will see when you get under there....
good luck!! Dont forget the RTV..

 

Looks like what i get to do this weekend for the turbo drain plug...

 

The crossmember actually has 6 bolts. 4 through the side and 2 upwards. I just did this twice in 3 days because the first time the oil pickup seal failed.

 

good to know. so u figure a hour or so tops to drop it?

 

the felpro alternative isn't bad price wise...

Advanced auto has a 30% coupon floating around, makes it even more attractive.

 

I just went through this, make sure you get all of the old seal off the pan and the block, as it can and is a pain if you don't, also the original gasket is riveted to the pan, you'll need to either drill those out or grind it down. I ended up buying two gaskets "long story, don't feel like embarrassing myself so soon", so I have an extra Felpro gasket new in it's package if you want it, just shoot me a pm and it's yours.

 

i just reused my oil pan gasket, helps cut down the cost on my turbo build.

but it you dont fuxk it up when you take the pan off it should be good to reuse