Oil Pan Removal - Clearance

[THRobinson]

I need a new oil pan, have for a few years but the past 2yrs the truck sat idle due to the red lightning bolt issue which I think I finally fixed. (nope, not throttle body, or accelerator pedal sensor... rotted off grounding straps on the engine).

Soon as weather permits I either replace or patch the existing oil pan. Mechanic wants $1000CAD because the engine needs hoisted about 2", and that's not happening. I've seen (hard to follow) vids where people drop something in the front to make space for the pan, also not happening. I'm in Ontario... most bolts and such are seized on and rusted solid.

However... ever so often someone in a thread says "oil pan just came off and out without issue for me" and they never post exactly how they did it or model/year of truck.

When I had to find a used APPS (accelerator pedal position sensor) I discovered that the 5.7l Hemi from 2003-04 only, had a sensor under the battery and not on the pedal assemble like all other years/models. Which made it hard to find a used one for. BUT... because of that, I gotta assume something about that engine is different than others, plus some have a 5.9l, some have a 4.7l, etc...

With the various sized and models of engines used between 2002-2008 on the RAM 1500's... do the oil pans come out more easily on some models? Do some models not require the engine lifted to make room? ... my model for example? (fingers crossed).

 

[Hemi395]

Is the truck 4wd? I know the 4th gens require you to drop the front diff on 4wd trucks in order to drop the oil pan. Not sure on the 3rd Gens...

 

[THRobinson]

Yup... 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 5.7l Hemi

Again... rare but I have seen when researching this, random people in old/dead threads, who popped up saying their pan came out just fine.

I also have to assume that 4.7/5.7/5.9 litre engines are physically different sizes, and again, my 2003 used a different APPS than the rest which also means some difference somewhere.

Kinda hoping maybe lucky and 1 or 2 trucks didn't need something dropped/lifted and by fluke it's mine.

Otherwise, gotta assume those people were just full of BS, or maybe have a lifted body and forgot?

 

[HemiLonestar]

The only difference with the APPS under the battery is that isn't in the pedal inside. That won't help you lol. I recommend you download your factory service manual (links in the 3G DIY forum) and see what the OEM says.

 

[Ole Buck]

I just did mine two weeks ago on a 04 1500 4x4 4.7. My truck has a 5 inch suspension and 3 inch body lift and 37 inch tires when all was said and done i would have gladly gave homeboy a grand. the front diff needs to be dropped and the motor mounts have to be unbolted the motor jacked up and on and on and on. I could not imagine laying on my back working on a bone stock ram changing an oil pan

 

[DILLIGAF]

Only people with lifts or more can drop the pan without issues. Even then I was super close.

The front diff is super easy to drop. Just time consuming.

 

[kevkev]

I dropped my front differential. Took my time. All weekend. Cleaned some stuff while I was under there.