Chevrolet Repair: oil pan leak, mechanical aptitude, transmission info

Question
I have a 1983 chevy C10 pick up, oil pan has leaked ever since the mechanic in Fl had to replace pan because they punched hole in pan and had to replace with new pan.  It seems to be leaking behind starter is this a fix I can do on my own? what do I need to do to replace gasket? How hard to do how long? I would have made them do it but i moved to Indiana and need to fix this.

Answer
Hi Phil

 I don't like doing oil pan gaskets myself and try to avoid them but have done tonnes of them over the years and lots of them were small blocks.
 It isn't the worst job in the world and someone with a good mechanical aptitude can handle it as long as they don't mind lying on their back for a while.  The only problem is that the engine has to be jacked up in most cases because of the sump and the front cross member.  It looks like it comes right out but the sump will get caught in the baffles in the pan and you will have to jack it up by undoing the motor mounts and lifting it with a transmission jack or something equivalent.
 I can give you the complete RR if you want.  Just reply to this email with the VIN#, engine size and options.   Transmission info would be great too.

WAyne