Bush League 96 XJ

I am having troubles replacing my oil pan gasket. I can't seem to get enough clearance between the end of the pan and the bell housing. I have dropped the say bar and both shocks to get the axle to droop down but i still can't clear the pan. Are there any options besides hoisting the engine up? I don't know where to post this so i am sorry if i am in the wrong area.

AoA

take the trackbar off, and the axle should drop even lower to clear

Bush League 96 XJ

Thanks man will give that a try tomorrow, i have already busted 3 torx sockets including an impact one trying to get the sway bar off. I had to cut the bolts off and now I am stuck having to drill them out, any recommendations on how to do that?

waltermitty

Center punch them! Take a file to them to get a flat spot if possible, if not just do the best you can to get the center of the bolt. Start with a smaller bit first, then move to a larger one. Re-tap when done and you're good to go.

Kroil works really well for for seized bolts if you have a little time to wait. If you have a torch that'll do as well.

DFlintstone

I haven't done the job on a Jeep. I seem to remember my Jeep book saying you could unbolt the pan, then move it enough to unbolt the oil pump, then it all comes out.

Bush League 96 XJ

Well i finally got it off by wedging my leg on my tire and my back on the wheel well and pushing the axle down while someone wiggles the oil pan out. That was the only way i could have got it out.

DFlintstone

>>>pushing the axle down <<< ??? So you had the axle hanging and got a little more clearance by pushing down on it?

eugnton

If you drop the axel too far you will.never get it out. I only needed to lower my front end a bit to let the pan come out. Remember as the axel drops, it also moves rearward at the same time. No need to disco sway bars, shocks, or springs.

eugnton

Raise the rig, put it on stands, remove the wheels and lower your axel, you may even have ro raise it up after you drop it. Play with it, it will come...

gpXJ

Although it doesn't help you now, those torx bolts are pressed in and then the nut goes on the other side. Rather like a wheel stud. You have to press them out or hammer them out from the other side once you take the nut and sway link off.

Bush League 96 XJ

I did have to disconnect the sway bar and shocks to get enough clearance, it was the only way that worked for me. It is already all put back together now but thank you for your help, and as the sway bar goes, it really doesn't drive that bad without it on.

Bush League 96 XJ

Yes just by aplying my weight and pressure i was able to drop it far enough to slide the pan out.

Bush League 96 XJ

Also my oil pressure Gage is stuck at max now, is there any way to reset it?