I can definitely say with my former 93 that the bearings failed due to mileage and poor maintenance. That truck had about 200k on it when I did the oil pan/gasket/pump and bearings. It was a $500 truck, ya get what ya pay for.

*edit*

Forgot about the oil pressure gauge. For testing, you can remove the factory oil pressure sender and screw a test gauge in that port. Not sure what size that threaded port is, it was quite a few years ago when I did mine. If yours is a 302 or 351, the oil pressure sender is located on the drivers side, towards the front of the engine, a little above the oil filter.

 

Thank you for the location Port information. I will check it as soon as I am able to again.

I was just wondering if/how I could check or evaluate the pump condition?

Not really looking forward to pulling it if in decent shape still.

In short, I would just do the gasket without the need of removing the pan, if I could verify condition.

Like I said, only 112.5k on it.

Thanks again.

 

Generally speaking, attaching a mechanical oil gauge will give you idea as to how mechanically sound the engine is. Ensure that you're using a Motorcraft , Wix, Napa, Baldwin, Purolator oil filter, ( for Heaven's sake not a Fram!!!) and a quality 5w-30 or 10w-30 motor oil.

If you are changing the oil pan gasket, it may be worth trying to see how the oil sump screen looks while its apart. My rattling, knocking 302 never ticked on the upper end and it ran as low as 10-12 lbs of oil pressure. It was the crank and the cam bearings so badly worn. It would start with 40 lbs cold oil pressure.

 

Well, giving into Murphy’s Theory, I decided to just do it right!
And just replace the pump too.

So how/where do you release the Hard Line (secondary air injection tube. CA emissions!) From the exhaust system?

To remove the Pipe Assembly from the manifolds?

Then I can raise the block and drop the pan.

Thanks again.

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And then, after attempting to lift the block and it slipping off the 2x4 at the Harmonic point, where do we jack it up from safely? If there’s no direct 90deg. Lift point As I don’t have a lift available at this time. I need the truck to go get it? What a B!t@h right.

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Oh... one more "Q"
What’s the issue with FRAM filters?
Thought the anti siphon system was a fairly good design? Seems to be ok on my sons 240sx Nissan. It needs one like the OEMs from the dealer.

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Please see thread,

1 more Help, REPLACING OIL PUMP/PAN GASKET and RELATED HANG UPs

Thank you.