Oil pan drain bolt was stripped by mechanic a couple of years ago. My workarounds are done and I need to replace the pan. Reviewed the FSM's and several YT vids. The vids show it's not necessary to remove the A-Pipe, but rather that you can disconnect it and swing it out of the way. Cool.

So I get under the car today and start removing the nuts and bracket holding the A-Pipe in place. I'm in Arizona so no rust, but those nuts were a b*tch to crack.

But here's the problem: even with the nuts & the two hanging bracket bolts removed, the very front of the A-Pipe isn't clearing the subframe. I need about a half-inch more clearance to separate that section from the bolts that the nuts were holding it in place.

I'm sure there's a simple and stupid way of doing this. I don't want to lower the subframe again, so where should I try to jack up the engine or tranny to create the clearance I need?

Any suggestions welcome!

 

NVM: I jacked up from under the oil pan and it provided plenty of room to get the exhaust out.