Oil Pan Gasket Replacement?

[RQQFER]

My '97 has a bit of a leak...approaching Valdez-esque proportions. It has been an ongoing issue, but now I've been working on other problems, needs to be dealt with. The pan is pretty well wet, and I think that is it. I am hoping it's not a rear main seal issue. So, here is the question: How difficult is a pan gasket on a 2wd powerstroke? Is it shade-tree/grease-monkey doable? I am fairly good with wrenches, and fairly brave when it comes to mechanical undertaking. So...any thoughts or input? Anybody done it at home? Any shop owners think it's just a bad idea?:(

[POWERSTROKEMIKE]

oh god... we had another truck on here that earned the name Valdez with a oil leaking prob..will have to find the pics.. LOL Any how to do the oil pan gasket correct you need to pull the motor an flip it upside down.. an use either the ford or international sealant.. not sure where your located..but either diesel tech or oc diesel..

[RQQFER]

Uh-oh, that's what I was kind of afraid of. I hadn't been able to find any solid info, so that's why I asked people that would probably know. Sooo, not exactly the fun stuff. I liked the guys at Diesel Tech, we'll just have to check funding, and see how long I'll be without that truck. Unfortunately, it's my money-maker, ladder rack and all.

[2005F250]

Back in March I had the engine pulled out of my 95 to fix a dipstick issue that required taking the pan off. While it was out I had the injectors re o-ringed and pretty much just got a 250K mile service. New exhaust gaskets, glow plug relay, wiring harnesses for the injectors, trans and t-case serviced, and what ever fluids get changed when an engine gets pulled. Came to about $3K but I had the parts that would give me trouble due to age and mileage replaced so I'm good for another 250K.