TJ VRX upper oil sump removal - I'm stuck !!!

[maxtjvrx]

Help im stuck.

I am trying to remove upper oil pan but seem to have a problem. I have removed all the bolts holding up the upper oil pan from the engine block , ive pryed it apart from block, it comes down evenly about 2 inches but for some reason will not remove or separate completely, like something is holding it on at the rear end of the pan at transmission ( Auto) .

I would post marked up images but am not allowed.

As per haynes manual recommendation, Ive removed:

• dipstick tube
• Starter
• cross over exhaust underneath
• lower oil sump
• all upper sump to engine block bolts

I have not removed:

• transmission cross member
• transmission mounts on cross member ( are these as haynes describes "engine to transmission support brackets"
• transaxle inspection cover ( not sure where this is - can somebody enlighten me?? )

Im thinking maybe the girdle is interfering with it ( upper pan) coming off, because when I lower the pan down to remove it, it comes down 2 inches and hits the crossmember, but I would have thought 2 inches down was enough to remove it but maybe not - just did not want to remove transmission mounts??


Do I have to remove the transmission mounts on the crossmember to lift the engine for more clearance?

stuffed if I know....really doing my head in.


Any help appreciated.

[Wombatkarl]

Oil pickup will stop it

[maxtjvrx]

Done - bit the bullet and undid the Tranny crossmember - the extra clearance underneath did it