In the process of replacing the timing cover gasket and associated parts (Chain & Gears, Water Pump, Idlers, etc.) I screwed up and dropped a piece of old gasket material into the oil pan.
Fast forward, I've dropped the front differential and axles as far as I can and still can't get the damn oil pan past the pick up. I figure I need to replace the pan gasket now but don't know if I can fish the new gasket in without removing the pan. I've read some posts that suggest loosening the transmission bolts and sliding it back 1/2" to get the pan to clear the dust shield. Does this work?
Should I just say screw it and clean the old gasket pieces out of the pan and bolt that shit back together? I can see the pieces the fell in and easily remove them.