i want to do the oil pan gasket on the next oil change and i was wondering how the actual gaskets work for theses things or is it better to go with a gasket maker like loctite or "the right stuff"? somethings the actual gaskets dont seal up on for some reason and i want to fix the leak not make a bigger one

 

Its probably a good bet to go with a combination of both, oil pan gaskets arent that hard to do, but the motor being in the truck can make it a tad more difficult. I would apply some permatex to the actual gasket to help secure it in place while you work. Whatever you do, just make sure you have all of the old gasket off and both surfaces are clean before you go any further.

 

You won't have very much room to do it in the truck without raising the engine slightly. Several people on here have done it without much of a problem.

Also if you do it in the truck like that, make sure there isn't any old gasket crud in the pan.

 

Get a FORD steel gasket embosed w rubber. Then a dab Of RTV in all 4 corners where the pan meets the front and rear main caps. The steel in the gasket keeps you from overtighting the bolts and splitting the gasket. It is worth the money from buy it from FORD

 

+100.. these steel cored gaskets do not leak ever... unless the bolts fall out, but that won't happen if they're torqued properly.

 

i like that steel gasket idea...ive pulled big rig oil pans with the engine in the truck wit no problems and that little 300 is strikingly similar (but MUCH smaller and lighter) so it shouldnt be a problem, ive just heard a lot of bad stuff about gaskets not sealing up properly thanks guys...sorry about the spelling in the title, my keyboard has a mind of its own

 

Me and my brother changed the oil pan gasket in my 1995 F250HD with a 300 six cylinder and it was a pain , but we managed . had to lift the engine up pretty high to get the new gasket in there .

 

it doesnt look too bad...as long as the gasket that in there isnt stuck to the pan you dont need to completely remove it and it looks like it has plenty of room to me? the gasket thats in there is rubber i think cause its pushing out the sides and leaking a bit

 

I replaced the pan on my 93 F150 2wd 300 six it rusted and had a small pin hole. Not sure about the 4x4's but I had to lift the engine and grease the pan with lots of elbow grease . I used the Ford combo gasket. Sprayed the pan with pemetex the red stuff (it was awhile ago unsure if they still make) then I tied the gasket to the pan with sewing thread through a few strategic bolt holes. It kept it in place while I weeeezeled the pan back in place. I guess I've got 20,30 or 40,000 miles on it with no leaks. I'll check my log and see how many and repost later if it matters. HTH

Take Care
Jim