So I bought a Gasket set for my 61 Ford Fairlane a couple years ago, I replaced a couple of the gaskets already, but I'm currently trying to replace the oil pan gasket and related gaskets. I got the bolts out no problem. Here's my question, I haven't looked at how it mounts up yet, but how hard is it to remove the cross member for the 62 with a 223 6cyl? I noticed the engine has an oil pump assembly that sits low in the pan and I won't be able to slide the pan out with the engine in place or with the cross member in (one or the other). Can I just hold the engine up with chains, remove the motor mounts and "easily" remove that cross member, subsequently allowing me to remove the oil pan and housing cover to replace the gaskets? This started out looking relatively easy and has turned into a bigger project I was thinking of renting a cherry picker to hold the engine while I do this, but my garage space is limited and that might be too difficult, so I was thinking of supporting it from my rafters with a chain/ strap while I removed the cross bar, if it can be removed separately. Some can and some can't. I'm pretty sure the slightly new mustangs with the six cylinder this will work, just curious if anyone know if this is possible with my 61 Fairlane. I'm going to check this on the car tonight, but I thought of it after I got going to work this morning, thus my question on here.

Thanks for any and all help!

 

So here is my update. I got under there again tonight and looked at the crossmember. It appears it is part of the frame, as in welded from the factory. So, do I just try and jack up the engine an inch or so and put blocks of wood between the mounts and the frame, or do I reattach my bad pan and when I get the carb rebuilt, drive it somewhere and have them pull the engine. I just don't think I have room in my tiny 1 car garage to do anything like engine pulls in there.

 

loswn the motor mounts and place 2x4 between the mounts and the frame you should be able to remove the pan with very little trouble. you may have to drop the stableizer bar to get pan out and crank engine so the pan clears the crank. turn engine by hand.disconnect the coil or the battery before you start. the front crossmember is welded in and is part of the frame.

 

HotRod,
Yep, actually the battery is usually disconnected in the winter, that way it doesn't drain out, and I'm always making sure that it is disconnected, you can't ever be too safe!

I did something similar and it came out fine. I have the pan repainted and it is ready for reinstallation! I'll be installing it probably tomorrow night!

Thanks for your suggestions.