Chevrolet Repair: Oil Pan in 1983 Chevy S10, chevy s10, pan gasket

Question
What is the easiest way to remove the oil pan in order to change my oil pan gasket?  It is necassary to undo the motor mounts?

Answer
Hi Kevin,

Is this 4x4?  

You need to remove the motor mount bolts.  You can pull these bolts out and the motor will not fall out.  The mounts rest on the halves.  One half on the motor, the other on the frame.  One bolt goes through the center, connecting them.  If you drove like this, the motor will move all over.  Just parked, no trouble.  

Once you removed the mount bolts, lift the motor by using a jack and piece of wood under the oil pan.  Raise the motor enough to put 2x4 between the mount halves.  Careful to not snap the distrubutor cap on the firewall.  Let the upper mounts half down onto the 2x4.  This should be enough room to remove the pan.  Take off the starter.  Take off the inspection shield for flywheel.  Move any exhaust that's in the way.  

When you drop the pan, you will notice the oil pump will be in the way.  You must unbolt this and drop it into the pan.  Then pull the pan out of the way.  Remember to reinstall this when putting the pan back.   There is a hex shaft from the distributor that drives the pump.  This must line up.

Good luck

C J S