I believe that I've found out unfortunately that my oil pan gasket is leaking on my 98 Ranger 2.5L 2WD. The truck has 281,000 miles on it. The engine has a little over 100,000 estimated mileage. My original engine lasted until 228,000 miles and it never had a leak. This engine runs good and has so far had no problems. I want to stop the leak if it's possible. This is my daily driver and it runs good. It needs some attention in a few spots among this. The rear end is making noise it's all original and the motor mounts are showing some signs of dry rotting. I've got a new bearing rebuild kit I plan on putting in the rear end. The front and rear suspensions have all been reworked. The transmission probably has 50,000 miles on it. The front suspension and rear suspension have been rebuilt. The tires and brakes are all in good shape. I hate oil leaks. Its definitely the oil pan from the passenger side, nothing coming from above the oil pan flange, nothing coming from the oil filter side, valve cover gasket surface is dry and has been replaced recently. I replaced the oil plug, but the pan still gets wet on the side. I had one mechanic look at it and tell me it was the pan gasket. I know the Ford repair manual says you have to remove the engine and put it on a stand to replace it. Is there any trick around this? I'm assuming this has to be done because of the frame. I certainly wouldn't be trying it but I want to be prepared to know if the shop will be able to do it right. Anyone here ever had to replace theirs?

 

It is my understanding that, on the 3.0 at least, the oil pan can be removed with the engine in the truck, if the transmission is removed. The motor mounts have to be disconnected and the radiator shroud has to come off and then the engine lifted up a few inches. The pan will then drop down enough to clear the crankshaft and then slid back and can be removed. I am also assuming that the oil pump has to be disconnected and dropped into the pan.

 

I've done it shade-tree style on an older vehicle. Even if it is possible on your 2.5L, I expect it will be quite an adventure. Have you considered just tightening the oil pan bolts? This could reduce the leaking at least and buy you some time. Just a thought....

 

RedTaurus94 has a very good point. If you try it, be careful not to strip or break the small bolts. My 98 Ranger has a different problem. At 232,500 miles, the oil pan is badly rusted and is weeping. So far, none of the leaks are making it to the ground. When the time comes, (as soon as the leaking gets serious and/or the clutch starts to slip) I have a new pan (and a new clutch kit) all purchased. All that I need to get is the pan gasket and a new oil pump.