So if I gots this correct, the trans cooler lines just need un bolted from pan and pushed aside but not fully disconected, and the crossmember does not need removed?

But I am still up in the air if I want to replace the oil pump gears while in there. I would wait 'til I got it apart to see, but then I'd be waiting a few days on parts if I did decide to. I like to have everything all set to go when I start. I think I will.

 

that is correct the tranny lines can just be removed from the hangers and pushed to the side. If you dont remove the cross member you will have to jack the body of the truck up about 10inch to a foot and play with the pan to get it out. If it is possible it is much easier to just pull the 8 10mm bolts and drop the cross member. if you decide to jack it up remember this is a 5200lb truck, so make sure you have 2.5 ton jack.

At 160000 mile i would think you would probably want to change the oil pump gears, but that all depends on how long you plan on keeping the truck and if you want to go threw this all over again to replace the pump when it is needed.

 

It's my '04 with 84k miles. But I have read many cases where the oil pump went that soon or shortly thereafter(esp. on the '03-'04). I think it probably be a good idea.

 

Another question after looking through rave for about the hundredth time- The front crank seal. Of course RAVE says use LR tool blah-blah-blah. Is it easily replaceable without tool? Or even need replaced if ok?

 

at 84k i do not think I would plan on replacing it, but as long as you have the timing cover off I would give the gears and cover a real close look.

 

Replace it it is the same as any other crankshaft seal, pop the old one out and drive the new on in. the last thing you want to do is go back in over a seal that can be replace in less than 5 minutes.

 

Thank you all for the responses.I like talking with people who have done whatever I may be about to do.

If I am correct, if I do just the gasket I will need- front cover gasket, oil pan gasket, pick-up o-ring, front crank seal?

RAVE says to use rtv on block side of pan gasket. Yes??

 

Of course rave says to remove it before removing the cover. Any issues if I pull the cover and replace the seal out the vehicle? Seems it would be easier with the cover out and on the bench than in the car.

 

yes, the seal will come off in the case cover and you can replace it after it is out.

I dont know about the pickup o-ring, you should not have to screw with the pick-up tube unless things have changed from 2000 to 2004.

RTV yes, but a thin coat the oil pan has a nice rubber gasket. "I" use a thin lay of RTV almost like a gasket cement to hold the gasket in place and I'm sure it has saved me a leak or two.

But it should be used sparingly, I have pull a few motors apart in my day and have found a lot of RTV in oil pans and pick-up tubes because way too much has been used.