oil pan leaking rotting metal
 

f 550 2008 has a leaking rotting oil pan... tried JB WELD last year but seems to have started leaking again? any other way than removing / lifting the engine to change this really dumb system for an oil can replace?!?

any creative suggestions?

As an experienced welder with thousands of hours using every process, I can comfortably tell you it's darn near impossible to get a professional (long lasting) repair due to the fact you'll never get completely clean metal on that pan without pulling it.

I'd replace it -- AND I'd also replace that rear crankshaft seal (about 90% of the 6.0L and 6.4L engines out there leak at this location). If the seal is not leaking it will eventually (THEY ALL DO)

Remember to NOT reuse the flex plate / flywheel bolts -- a new set from Ford costs $10 (or from ARP about $50) ---and be mighty careful in there to not hurt (including scratching, gouging, etc) the flex plate/flywheel adapter on the end of the crank --- it will render the engine completely useless (these are factory balanced)........