so my buddy has a Ford Taurus and the oil pan is all rotted out with rust (seams odd that it happened) any way its leaking really bad through the pan and need to be changed

is it a big job to change the oil pan or should I have him take it to a shop. (I would like to help him save money) I saw a post about changing the gasket and it looked like it was just the starter and a shield in the way (never removed a starter but hopfly its strate forward). the exhaust goes right up against the pan does that need to come out or can the pan go around it.

I don't have the car here and I only looked at it for 30 seconds so I did not really got a good look at it

also I have no idea what engine is in it since there is 4 different engines available. how can I tell? (guessing im going to need that when I get the new pan and gaskit)

 

It is straight forward. You are right, dropping the exhaust gives you plenty of extra room. I forgot to tell that to the other poster. Hyst be careful not to push out the ends of the gaskets and cause another leak. Just go slow and you can complete the job. Good luck.