Is it possible to remove the oil pan on a 4.6 4wd with the engine still in the vehicl

[Bowguy21]

Excuse my ignorance if this has already been posted, but I searched for an answer to this question and couldn't find it. The only thing I could find was on changing the oil pan gasket out (doesn't require the pan to come all the way out. I am needing access to the rod bearings from the underside (lower knocking noise...174K miles...I believe they are shot). Is there a way to get the oil pan completely off and out of the way without removing the engine? I read a few posts on lifting the engine partially out of the engine bay. What would need to be disconnected before this is possible (if this is the best way to proceed)

 

[rbbaker]

I have been wondering the same thing for the very same reason. I was able to do it once with my old Econoline van to change rod bearing and really hope that it is possible with the Ex. Mine is a '02 XLT with the 4.6.

 

[Number4]

Your only other option is to remove the front axle assembly.

 

[Bowguy21]

That is not what I wanted to hear...struggling with "is it really worth it"? Not sure if replacing the rod bearings is gonna completely resolve my problem anyways...dang

 

[Number4]

Some one here dropped the front end. I don't know that it was that big a project. Relatively speaking.