Thanks in advance as I am needing some help with a few questions regarding an oil pan gasket replacement on a 2005 LJR. I've done this job before on an 04X with no issues but there are some differences in the 05 that have me scratching my head. I'm hoping some of you more experienced folks here can help before I break something or put it back together wrong. Here goes...
I appreciate any help you have to offer.
- In my 04, the oil pan bolts were different sizes and oriented in different directions - some up, some down. In the 05 LJR, they all appear to be the same size and go in the same direction. Did Jeep change something? I do not know if the oil pan gasket in the 05 LJR has been replaced previously. For reference, here are some pictures of the 04 and 05 showing the differences. First pic is the 04 and shows three bolts (two come down from the top, one goes up through the bottom, The second is the 05. Notice that all are in the same direction.
- In the 05, there is a small clip that is connected to the oil pan gasket. It appears to fastened to / covering one of the bolts for the oil pan. I can unclip it to remove the tubes. The clip spins, but how do I remove it to access the oil pan bolt? I don't want to break it.
- The 05 has another skid plate closer to the oil pan. I'm thinking I will need to remove this skid plate so that the exhaust drops low enough so that the oil pan can clear the exhaust. Can anyone confirm?
- Finally, I'm thinking I will need to remove this pump to gain access to some of the bolts as well. I don't remember having to do this on the 04.
I appreciate any help you have to offer.