There is a crossmember under a big area on it. I have oil leaking all the way around the top edge of the oil pan. Not just the seals. Actually, it seems the majority is leaking from the pan gasket.

 

To change the gasket you need to pull the motor mostly. Drain all fluids . disconnect the drive shaft and a couple of other small items. Then lift the motor so you can change the gasket. Good luck

I have a step by step list in my Chilton manual if you need me to take a pic of it and post.

 

It is possible to change it by dropping the pan on the crossmember and fishing a new gasket in from the front, under the oil pump pickup, and setting it on top of the pan. (or if it's a Felpro, they come with keepers that thread into the block. The gasket snaps over them, then the pan. They hold everything up for you, theyre awesome!) Otherwise the "correct" procedure is to remove the upper plenum, unbolt the motor mounts, lift the engine, and place wood blocks between the engine and mounts in order to gain the clearance needed.

 

The "correct" procedure is overkill and unnecessary as you've pointed out. Even on a 4x4, there's enough room to drop the pan, fish the old gasket out, and put a new one in without having to raise the motor. Make sure to get the one-piece gasket. The four-piece ones tend to leak. You will have to get it under the oil pump pickup that dips down into the pan. It's a pretty easy job and one of the first repairs I ever did to the first Ford pickup I owned.

 

Unfortunately I will be pulling my motor. I have to change the pan and almost all the cross members as they are rotting out. Aka making new cross members lol

 

Is it possible that the bolts are just loose?

 

Anything is "possible",, have you tried to give them a little turn? Lefty=loosy, righty=tighty.... Just a ¼ ratchet with the correct size socket is all it takes, and it is probably quicker than running to the keyboard to ask..

 

It was loose as a goose. Tightened and drove 200 hwy miles. So far, so good. On to the next item...