interesting.. I left my axle in, it seemed the pump had to go in order to get the pan to slide towards the read of the car. this was stock without lift though..

 

Then try undoing your sway bar links that should help.

 

i did my oil pan gasket about 3 weeks ago, on my 85. i had to remove the starter. make sure to check your oil pressure sensor.. lol i thought i messed up and had to redo my gasket. but it turned out that my sensor had sprung a leak. i even laid under the jeep and watched where the oil came out. it looked like it was coming out of the little piece of gasket i had over tightned. but thats just where the sensor leaked to. and the sensor is a much, much easier fix.. lol

 

Whats the best method to get the Axle out of the way ?

Is there a good place to lift the front end, and brace off of ? I dont have a Garage or a pit, so i have to do all the set-ups outside.

thanks again all

 

I'd say lift the XJ onto stand under the frame rails, remove teh tires, sway bar links, and lower shock bolts (maybe even the track bar) and that should let you swing the axle low enough to get it out of the way.