dikatry

I am replacing the engine in my 1990 4Runner. When we pulled the oil pan, the baffle that sits between the oil pan and block has some holes in it from connecting rod blowing threw. I cannot find this part anywhere in the area and all of the oem websites I have checked so far dont stock it either. This normally would not be such a big deal, but this is my only vehicle and I am a single dad. I need to have it running this weekend. Some people I have asked say that the baffel is just to protect the bottom of the pistons from oil splash. They are saying that I should be able to reuse the old one and just hammer down the spots where the rod blew threw. Do you all have any advice about this? Thanks in advance for any help. Here are some pictures.

Cyberman

I'd say hammer those spots down, be careful not to get the lip out of shape. I had the same thing happen on mine, maybe a little more drastic than yours.