Now taking down the oil pan is a Pain in the A$$.
I have done it for a friend to replace his timing chain and pulling the oil pan, it is to say the least a real treat.

But when I did mine I asked a local ford tech, he said to take out the front 6 bolts in the pan and loosen the rest just so you can pull the pan down enough to clear the timing chain cover. I did it and wiped off as much as I could on the gasket and put a thin coat of sealer and was Ok with no leaks when done. Just take it easy pulling down the pan as I said just enough to clear the TC cover.