Chevrolet Repair: oil pan; new intake, mass airflow sensor, cadillac eldorado

Question
i have a 1999 chevy subruban 1500 with the 5.7 350. i noticed a oil leak that looks like its just coming from the oil pan gasket. i think i just need to tighten some bolts but if i hae to change the gasket, will it be a big job to get the oil pan off or does it just slide out? it looks like it should just come off but i had a 1999 cadillac eldorado with the same problem but changing the oil pan gasket meant taking out the trans and the whole front end almost. im also looking at a k&n FIPK intake kit but my truck has a mass airflow sensor and the K&N intake doesnt look like it has a space for one. so do you know what im supposed to do about the maf sensor or does the actual intake have a space for one?  

Answer
Hi Marlon,

I am browsing the past unanswered questions from the question pool.  I came across yours.  I don't know if you still need this advice, but here it is.

The oil pan is tough to get off.  You may need to raise the motor slightly.  You disconnect the motor mounts.  Then use a floor jack with a board for a cushion and carefully raise the motor by using the oil pan to push on.  Put 2x4's under the motor mounts and let the motor down on them.  This should allow enough room to pull out the pan.  

You will also need to disconnect the oil pump, once the pan has dropped.  Drop the pump into the pan.  You will need to reconnect that before you put the pan back on.  

You need the MAF, of course.  You may be able to splice that into the system.  Check with the store you are buying from.  Sometimes the one advertised is not the actual one for your application.  I am sure if it is for your truck, they considered the MAF.  However, not always.  

Good luck

C J S