2000 5.3L Oil Pan Removal

For the last few years I have had a very small oil leak at the pan where the front cooling lines would enter the pan (driver-side rear of pan) if equiped. I finally decided to pull the pan off and replace the gasket, "o-rings in the pick up tube, and general sludge removal. I have the pan unbolted but cannot for the life of me figure out how to wiggle it free, without having to remove the front 4WD differential housing.

My questions: Can the pan be removed without removing the front differential housing? If so is there a trick to sliding it free? If not how difficult is it to remove the housing? Never worked on drive shafts or related parts before but I can read, and I'm eager (broke!). Appreciate the help would like to get it on the road for tomorrow, is this to much to ask for?

Can you follow up on what happened? This is the fourth question unanswered on if removing the front differential is required for clearance of the oil pan. I plan on performing this soon and will post to the forum afterwards with my experience.

Yes you need to drop it. You won’t get the clearance. Also need to drop the rear crossmember.

fiatdale said:

Yes you need to drop it. You won’t get the clearance. Also need to drop the rear crossmember.

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At leastfrom the mounts and drive shaft, unsure if total removal is necessary, but may be a good idea just for room.