mattr1983

I purchased an 88 with a 350 swap already done. The rear main started leaking so I am in the process of replacing in it. My problem is I can't get the oil pan out, it is wedged between the axle and the oil pick up is keeping it from sliding out... any ideas on how to get it out? the truck has a 3 inch body lift but there still isn't enough room. my next step is going to rent a hoist and lift the engine enough to get the pan out unless you guys can help

thanks

disturbedearth

I've never owned a Chevy, or a Chevy motor/trans in a toy - where the rear main seal didn't leak. My advice is to let it leak. Keep an eye on your fluids and ignore it. If you do replace it - it'll just leak again. It's a Chevy thing.

If it's not leaking - don't drive it 'cause that means there is none in there.

Discombobulated

Don't think there is any easy secret trick here drop the axle or lift the motor, and I have owned plenty of chevy's and my rear main never leaked, but if you want to take let it leak as advice go for it

disturbedearth

LMAO... When you put it that way - it does sound like crappy advice. Just my experience. The last 3 Chevy's I had all leaked as they approached 100K. My current Duramax just started leaking at 90K. The last 2 SBC Toy's I had leaked and my current IFS SBC Toy leaks... Maybe it's the climate here in the midwest. I just top'em off and go. Replacing that RMs is a major pain.

Discombobulated

Saying mine never leaked is just me though, that was after I got it fixed but yes it is a common thing I think the diff might be easier than lifting the motor but with the 350 it might not be as difficult to lift enough to get it out, good luck

mattr1983

going to pick up a hoist today to lift the engine 2 or 3 inches. I'm hoping there is enough slack in most of the components that I wont have to disconnect anything more then the exhaust.

mattr1983

ended up unbolting one motor mount and lifting the engine just a bit to get the pan out... everything that should just be wrench turning on this truck turns into a whole project.
I got the oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and clutch replaced. changed the oil, coolant tranny and transfer case fluids and I am now the proud owner of a engine hoist and a transmission jack.
I did learn a lot about wrenching though which is something I always been kind of scared to dive into large projects like this so I am finally feeling confident about working on my truck
...then I broke a carburetor stud and a bolt in the intake manifold which lead me to buying a new one. truck should be on the road tomorrow if I didn't mess up the timing to bad. I forgot to mark the distributor before I removed it
next up steering box, brakes and on to the SAS. SAS will be done by a shop though