How to Drop the Oil Pan in a Chevy Silverado

There are many differences in the makes and models of Chevy Silverado vehicles. For the most common, Chevy Silverado 1500, removing the oil pan requires handy tools and some experience. The 1500 Series also has several different engine sizes, including the popular 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L Engines. For those engine sizes in the Chevy Silverado 1500 Series, remove the oil pan carefully.

Things You'll Need

  • Ramp or jack and jack stands
  • Oil drip pan
  • Wrench
  • Raise the Silverado using the proper equipment. Use a ramp or a jack and jack stands to support the vehicle securely by following all directions for use provided by this equipment's manufacturer.

  • Drain all oil from the Silverado by placing an oil drip pan under the vehicle's engine block, directly under the oil drain plug. The drain plug is located on the oil pan, between the vehicle's tires underneath the vehicle. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the plug allowing the oil to drain into the pain below.

  • Notice the various items attached to the oil pan or in the way of the oil pan dropping. For the oil pan to drop, remove the negative battery cable, front differential (only for four-wheel drive vehicles) and the under body shield by using a wrench or socket set.

  • Remove the oil pan shield by loosening the four bolts holding it in place along the edges of the shield. Then, remove the cross brace, oil filter, the transmission to oil pan bolts and the oil level sensor.

  • Follow the removal of those pieces by removing the bolts from the two front wiring harness, the engine wiring harness retainer, engine oil cooler pipe to oil bolts and the transmission oil cooler pipe retainer using a wrench. Located the closeout covers and bolts located on each side of the engine and remove them.

  • Disconnect each of the oil pan bolts using a wrench that will allow the oil pan to drop. The oil pan gasket will also fall off and replacement should occur before reinstalling the oil pan.