OK, I have good news and bad news.
First, some good news as a strap can be secure around the upper idler. Hoist is now in place.
I also got a cinder block and jack stand, and have it under the transfer case tail shaft. We are now good and secure
now for the good and bad news
Good for you the reader, if you don't have a suspension lift. Bad for me, because I do.
Ok, I got the oil pump and pickup removed, no big deal. Using a 9/16's socket, with a 1/4 u joint on a very long extension made it easy, sitting on my rump, from the front of the truck.
Then the pan,
It was almost out, however the rear lower control arm drop bracket support was in the way. Non lifted trucks will not have this obstacle.
No big deal eh? it's only 4 bolts on each end of the bracket.
well, the torsion bar tension forced the whole thing in a bind.
Ok then, we'll go remove the torsion bars--get the covers off, adjuster key out ( I painted it for a reference mark) and a bottle jack ( still sitting on the floor jack) under the keys, the adjuster nut holder now flipped right out.
Out come the t bars-
back to the drop bracket support bracket things--the bolts are a bit looser now,
Ah fudge, guess what? The bolts hit into the control arms before coming all the way out.
So, now the control arms are un bolted, and half way in the channels to give room for removal of 4 lousy bolts. Grrrr
Once again, if you do not have the suspension lift, the pan will drop right out as mine did once the bar was removed.
In fact, you can then turn it sideways and remove it through the control arm -axles shaft hole--sitting in the driver front wheel well area.






My parents were wanting to go for a drive and are due here soon, so I am wrapping it up for the day. I did want to deliver the good news though!!!!!
I feel the oil pump replacement is a job which can be accomplished without removing the engine from the truck!!!!!