Ford Repair: oil pan rusted and leaking, rust hole, exhast

Question
Dear Clay,
I own a 1995 F-150 with a 5.8L V-8.  It recently
started leaking oil from the oil pan because of a small rust hole.  I am just wondering if I drop my exhast from the manifolds back and unbolt the pan, will I be able to get the pan out?  I have heard with other models that the engine may have to be jacked up or the entire cab may have to be loosened.
Thanks for the great job and this is an awsome service! Have A great day.  

Answer
Michael, I can't answer that question absolutely... I haven't pulled a pan from 5.8 in quite some time!  Memory seems to tell me that it is tight, but will come out on a 2 wheel drive (not on a 4X4) without lifting the engine, but I could be wrong.  In the shop, I would have the vehicle in the air and a tripod to support the engine if needed, after removing the motor mount bolts and lowering the truck a few inches.
At home (which I avoid like the plaque) I would have a jack ready to raise to front of the engine a few inches, if needed.  Usually I find it easier to reach inside and remove the oil pickup tube, requiring less clearance than if it was still in place.  (You're going to remove and clean it anyway, while the pan's off).
Oh, the new gaskets are much better than the ones we had back in '95... either a rubber type, or a bead of RTV will make a seal that won't leak.  With RTV, the mating surfaces must be absolutely clean of oily residue and paint.
Clay
Hope this helps...
Clay