I have a 1993 F150, 302cu, 5 Speed, with 88,000 miles

While I was under the truck last week changing the starter, I think i have found why the truck has used so much oil lately. The Pan Gasket was pulled out about an inch away from the oil pan about half way around the pan. Buddies tell me that"s a big job and I will have to pull the motor. So while checking on gaskets on Advananced Autos website, I found this thread:

I have read that you must raise the engine to change the oil pan gasket, NOT SO if you are just changing the gasket.
Just drain the oil and remove filter, take out the pan bolts. Once you drop the pan, you will have a little over an inch of space between the pan and the block (I removed the starter also for more room). Get the old gasket out, be careful not to get any in the pan (mine was a one piece rubber in bad shape but it came out Ok, I cut it to remove it) CLEAN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!! Install the new gasket over the pan from underneath, it will spread wide enough to fit over the pan. Install dry, Don't use sealant. Use the guides but be very carful NOT to drop them in the pan.
Bolt the pan back up remove the guides and replace those bolts, fill with oil and filter and pat youself on the back for a job well done and for saving a few hundered dollars.
NO MORE LEAKS!!!

My Question is: Has anyone tried this? Would it work? Or am I over looking something? I have a week or two before I tackle this so any input on would be awesome!

 

I did this on a Bronco at work. I had the trans slid back since the rear main was being replaced as well. It's doable but not easy. The toughest part is getting the new gasket under the oil pump pickup tube. I slid the new gasket in from the front, got my arm in between the pan and crank as far as I could ( I have small arms) and pulled the gasket down under the pickup and back. Got everything lined up, put the metal re-enforcement plates back in place on either side of the pan, and zipped the bolts in. You will get covered in oil and you will get frustrated, but it is doable.

 

That's what I was thinking until I re read the suggestion typed in blue by 6.9 blues. The suggestion is to spread the gasket over the outside of the oil pan from underneath. Seems like it should work if the new gasket is flexible enough and tough enough and doesn't stretch out too much.