1997 Olds Aurora oil pan removal

I just bought a 97 Aurora that needs an oil pan. I have looked online and found refrences to both needing to pull the engine and being able to do it without. I am looking to see if it is possible to do it with out pulling the 4.0L engine. Also are there any other gaskets I should replace when I am there? I am on a tight budget with this car as I bought it just for a nice beater. Any help would be great. Thanks

If I can do it with out pulling the engine how do I do it. I am new to the Northstars and Aurora v8's but have done most everything else... Thanks

The only way I know how to do it is to pull the whole thing out. The crossover exhaust pipe is the problem. It is installed on the engine before the engine and transmission are bolted together. I guess it would not hurt to try, but :banghead: with the way it is bent and the very limited room around it I don't think you will be able to do it. So when you drop the whole thing out change the rear main seal. They have a bad tendency to leak as the get older.
Since you said you are new to these cars you might not realize that the engine and transmission are attached to a subframe and come out as a complete unit. I built a wheeled frame that is made out of 2X6's to get it out from under the car after I removed it. It is a very big job!!!!!!!!!

I know this is an old thread, but it can be done without dropping the front assembly. You have to cut the exhaust crossover and then have it professionally welded back. There is a writeup for it on the Aurora Club of North America.