My mechanic said that its more complicated and expensive to remove the oil pan than change the oil pump because he needs to remove part of the suspension too, im having a very poor engine lub , i would like confirmation from you guys , please if anyone have done that before i will appretiate your advice.

Thanks in advance

 

On these engines you have to remove oil pan in order to replace the oil pump. The reason for it is as follows: 1. the oil pickup is bolted to the bottom of the crank case brace and 2. oil pickup on the pump side is bolted to the pump, not a slip on connection. All those fasteners are only visible/accessible if the oil pan is removed. Additionally, I believe there might be a locator dowel on the oil pump housing which interlocks with the oil pan. If you wan to do this job on the vehicle, then yes, you have to remove front sub frame. That job is nearly as difficult if not more difficult as pulling the engine, flipping it over and doing the job off the vehicle. Ask your mechanic about that route too.