Big block oil pan removal?

[Stumper]

Question, is it possible to remove the stock oil pan on a 361 without removing the steering cross bar? It doesn’t look like the pan can move enough in either direction to shimmy it out. Assuming the bar has to be removed can it just be dropped from the pitman arms without removing the end joints? Will alignment be
needed afterwards?

 

[pnora]

Just one outer tie rod, idler, and pitman and swing it out of the way. No alignment should be needed.

 

[R413]

I remove the pitman arm from the steering box with a puller. No ripping boots or damaging any ends. Then the steering linkage will move down and rearward enough to get the pan out.

 

[Stumper]

I remove the idler arm from the steering box with a puller. No ripping boots or damaging any ends. Then the steering linkage will move down and rearward enough to get the pan out.

This sounds the easiest.. thanks!

 

[Kern Dog]

Just one outer tie rod, idler, and pitman and swing it out of the way. No alignment should be needed.

I remove the idler arm from the steering box with a puller. No ripping boots or damaging any ends. Then the steering linkage will move down and rearward enough to get the pan out.

The idler arm is not attached to the steering box, That is the Pitman arm.
This is the simplest:
Remove the center link from only idler arm and Pitman arm. Cotter keys, 3/4" hex nuts and pop it loose from any manner of methods. Sometimes you can hold a hammer to the back side of the joint and hit the face nearest you with another hammer and it will pop loose. Sometimes you can simply use a C shaped tool like so:

The steering link will drop down more than you'd ever need to remove the pan.
No, it will not affect the alignment.

Do NOT use one of these:

...unless you intend to replace the grease boots. These usually damage grease boots when used.

 

[khryslerkid]

Post in thread 'Taking Up New Residence' Taking Up New Residence

First thing was to drain the oil then remove the center link in order to remove the pan. Just remove the joints at the pitman arm and driver's side tie rod. Then swing the center link towards the front of the car and out of your way.