I have an 85xj with 2.5L 4banger and it is needing rings and gaskets, and probably bearings, but no knocking yet so that is good.

I don't have a shop/garage available so will be working on a gravel driveway, and what I am wondering is can the oil pan be pulled without removing the engine? Does anyone have experience to know if there is enough clearance for that? If so I could probably do the work without pulling the engine, which would require pulling it up under a tree limb or figuring out some way to use an engine lift on gravel.

Anyone have any experience with something like this?

 

"Anyone have any experience with something like this?"

Calculate the difference in cost between:

A. Limbs & gravel driveway
vs.
B. Emergency room visit.

 

For the love of jeebuz, do not do this.

Get some thick plywood and lay it down on the gravel.

 

Well even though I have seen the engine from a large farm tractor suspended from a tree (the limb was larger around than my waist) I don't even have a tree to worry about trying it, it was more of a jest. The main question I have is can the oil pan be removed without removing the engine?

I have done rebuilds on Dodge 225 slant 6 engines without removing them, just don't know if there is clearance in the XJ for this with the 2.5L

 

I see you have the same curse my wife does of making a joke without making it sound funny. Must be a thing.

Yes, you can remove the oil pan without removing the motor itself... it's a bit of a pain, but with some finagling, finesse, and jacking the frame up and letting the axle hang, you should be able to gain enough clearance. Been there, done that.

 

Thanks!

Yea it's sometimes difficult to put tone into print, works better in person.

 

No, you will not do a 'frame-in' rebuild.......pull it.

Break it down to the block and crank while in the Jeep.......two guys can pick it up from there.......does not weigh that much.