While changing the timing chain I managed to drop a bolt into the oil pan. (Yes, I did have rags stuffed in the opening to prevent such a thing from happening, but It somehow made it past them. I heard it hit and roll.)

Now I need to pull the oil pan to get the bolt out.

I've got the pan loose (a job unto itself), now I'm wondering how to get enough clearance to actually get it out. Is it advisable to remove the crossmember just behind the front axle? It looks like it ties together the left and right lower arms, so I'm not sure if that's a safe approach.

Any other methods?

 

Bumping this because I have the exact same question on the exact same vehicle.

I don't believe pulling this lower brace/crossmember will cause the rig to drop or 'fall', seeing as how the suspension has multiple other mounting points and bolts holding it together. But I've broken those four loose and before removing them, just want to check.

 

It's been a few years since I did it, but IIRC I was able to get the pan out without removing the crossmember. You have to unbolt the pan, then reach in and unbolt the oil pick-up. That gives the clearance needed for the pan to tilt down and slide out.

At least, that's how I think I did it!