Best way to change oil pump in FE 360?

[knucklebuster]

What is the most efficient method for dropping the oil pan and changing the oil pan? I have a stock F-250 with a 360. I have heard it can be done without lifting engine out of the mounts, but I have tried and I cant get the intermediate shaft to drop out of the way. I was a former Chevy guy, and I'm not familiar w/ the motor mounts or how hard it is to lift engine a couple of inches. Any ideas?? I just want to get the project done, snow is on the way!!

[ToughOldFord]

It is best to pull the engine to do it proper, but you can pull the shaft up and out the distributor hole, drop the pickup screen and remove the pump.

For safety's sake and for reassurance that it's been reassembled correctly I'd still pull the engine.

[DuckRyder]

It isn't hard to remove the 2 motor mount nuts inside the towers and raise the engine a few inches.

I agree it is probably easiest to remove the engine but it sounds as if you are already pretty deep into it.

Also, there has been in depth discussion in the past which a search should turn up for you.

[knucklebuster]

Thanks...
I have a repair manual that says you can remove the pan by dropping it enough to remove the oil pump (the point I am now at) and then let it fall in the pan, and then the whole pan should be able to come out. Reverse to install. What secures the intermediate shaft in the pump?? It wont just slide out.

[DuckRyder]

What secures the intermediate shaft in the pump??

Nothing, the oil pump drive shaft is captive between the oil pump and distributor.

They can, however, become quite stuck over time...