Trying to get out the oil pan on my jeep xj . I think it has a 3 inch lift on it. The oil pan is getting caught on the steering stabilizer thing. I thought I would be able to get it out without using jacks. I can’t figure it out. I took out the starter and got the pan lowered but it’s just not enough clearance to get past the bell housing. Help ! If you are near Raleigh I need jacks or something to help.

 

It is counter intuitive, but use a floor jack and jack up the front axle. It moves the axle forward and gives you enough room to get the oil pan out. Took me quite awhile to figure that one out. I would put the Jeep on jackstands before using the jack under the axle. Too dangerous otherwise.

 

I think when I did mine, i had to unbolt the front shocks then lifted and jackstanded the frame. then took the wheels off and lowered the axle to get clearance

 

If you are close, like 1/4" close to clearing the bellhousing, then unbolting the transmission from the rear transmission mount and jack up the output shaft to allow the oil pan to clear. Unfortunately, for all of these suggestions, you'll need a jack...

 

If the issue is the "stabilizer thing" (1st guess was damper - but perhaps sway bar is more likely, but for what's involved) why not just remove it?