Oil pan gasket

I've rarely changed an oil pan gasket with the engine still in the vehicle but I must on my '88 K1500 (350) this weekend. I was hoping to make it until winter when I'm going to stick a new crate engine in but it needs to pass inspection now. The clearances look tight with the front differential but has anybody done this without lifting the engine? The Haynes manual claims a small block of this year can clear but a big block needs to be lifted three inches.

Sometimes if it is tight, you can turn the crankshaft to gain some clearance.
Bob B

Well, I can now say from experience that it is impossible to clear the flywheel with the pan unless you raise the engine until the transmissions is against the tunnel.

I changed my oil pan gasket in the middle of the winter in michigan and it was tedious. I had to basically tear apart the entire front axle. I took off the tie rods and the center link. I also dropped the front axle case five or six inches. Then I turned the crankshaft I think to the number one piston to make more clearance. It wouldv'e been easier for me to have lifted the engine a little and place blocks by the engine mounts. I wasn't gutsy enough to try it. But, I did the job because I accidentally tore the gasket when I took off the timing chain cover off.