So I have my entire front axle out (new R&P while putting in lift kit)

I also have the exhaust off.

I figured I would replace the oil pan gasket while I had such good access.

The 2 rear bolts are partially covered by this hard rubber cover piece that follows the curve of the rear of the pan. How do you get it out of the way to get a socket on the bolts?

I have the big metal plate off but not the starter.

Also, like a house remodel, worth doing RMS while I have the pan off? 110,000 miles. Some leaking from pan and oil filter adapter (fixed that) not a lot of oil obviously coming from RMS.

 

I had that problem myself. I think it's due to the oil getting on that rubber part your seeing and breaking it down? That rubber is bonded to a steel band that wraps around the back of the pan between the two bolts in question if I remember correctly. I tried everything then got aggressive and went at the rubber with a big flat head screwdriver and pliers until I got it out of the way. My guess was it is a dust/ water shield to keep crap out of the bell housing. I didn't do my rear main and I wish I did. It looked like it was all coming from the pan but I still have a nasty leak back there.

 

OK, the flat blade was my next plan... but I was worried about damaging it.
Really hard to get a socket in there.

I might pick up a seal then. I see the FelPro kit has a little plastic guide tool for install.

 

I'm still torn about doing the RMS while I am there. Only 110,000 on the XJ, and I see a lot of stories from people here who replace the RMS and have leaks. I feel like I should do it while I have the pan off (which is definitely leaking on the other side of the block that the oil filter) and the other side of me says don't touch it, you can only make things worse.

 

They say if its not broke don't fix it but at the same time my 99 xj has 082,670 on the odometer and my RMS has a very slight leak. So for you its a toss up between easy access now or let it be till you have to when its all back together but who knows how long that'll be from now.