How to Get the Oil Pan Off a 1989 4x4 Chevy Truck

You may need to remove the oil pan on a 1989 4x4 Chevrolet truck to change the oil pump or check the bearings. When working with a four-wheel-drive truck, the front driveshaft gets in the way. You will need to remove and rotate the driveshaft. Removing the oil pan is a messy job, and you should be prepared with plenty of shop rags and "kitty litter" should you spill any oil.

Instructions

1

Remove the negative battery cable, using the appropriate wrench. Set it aside, ensuring that it does not touch metal. Remove the engine oil dipstick using the appropriate socket. Raise the vehicle with the floor jack and support it with the jack stands. Remove the underbody protection shield, using the appropriate socket.

2

Slide the drain pan under the oil pan. Remove the oil pan drain bolt, using the appropriate socket. Allow the oil to drain into the pan. Remove the filter, using the oil filter wrench. Dispose of the oil and filter in an appropriate manner. Most auto parts shops have a disposal tank.

3

Remove the transmission oil cooler line bracket from the oil pan, using the appropriate socket. Remove the front propeller shaft, using the appropriate socket.

4

Support the front axle with the floor jack, then remove the axle mounting bolts and brackets. Rotate the axle to gain access to the oil pan.

5

Remove the strut rods at the flywheel cover -- or flexplate cover, if you have an automatic -- using the appropriate socket. Unbolt and remove the exhaust pipe crossover. Remove the wiring from the starter with a wrench. Put the nuts back onto the studs so you don't lose them . Remove the starter, using the appropriate socket. The starter is heavy; be prepared to catch it, or use the floor jack to support it.

6

Slide the drain pan under the oil cooler lines at the adapter, then remove the oil cooler lines from the oil pan and adapter, using the appropriate line wrench. Remove the oil filter adapter, using the appropriate socket.

7

Remove the oil pan bolts, nuts and reinforcements, using the appropriate sockets. Lower the oil pan from the engine. Clean the oil pan, and the gasket mating surfaces on the pan and the engine, using shop rags and a scraper.