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Alright, so I've been reading around for the past two hours, trying to find the right answer for my issue.
I don't have access to an engine puller until the weekend, and I have a very rare three hours free tonight, so I'd like to get my oil pan pulled out this evening.
I read a few posts that say to jack the engine up from the floor via the oil pan and a board. I also read a few posts that say NEVER EVER jack the engine from the bottom because its too heavy and to just pull the engine out all the way. I also read some posts that said to jack it from the harmonic balancer. I also read some posts that say to just jack up the driver side from the cross member...
So.... what is the best plan of attack? Where am I supposed to put the floor jacks? I've already pulled the radiator so I have some extra clearance there. Going to pull the starter tonight too. According to the Chiltons, that should be it!
Take the motor mount bolts off and loosen the transmission mount bolts.. Use a jack under the harmonic balance to lift it until it touches the firewall and have at it..
Make sure you support the engine so it does not FALL ON YOU!
I use the pan rail method using a piece of redwood lumber because it is soft and less likely to deform the pan rail. Block rails are cast thick and solid.
I avoid jacking using the balancer because it rides on an engine bearing.... and bent/deformed crank snouts (however slight) is never a good thing IMO.
I successfully used the bottom of the oil pan method on my 300. 10" long piece of 1x6 and it went up no problem. Pan wasn't distorted or anything, no leaks after reinstalling gasket.
I was able to get my pan off my 77 f250 with a 400 and c6, just by jacking the truck and relaxing the front axle, removing the exhaust and the pan slid right out. Done it twice in the last 3 weeks. Just another way to skin a cat.