.. yep it's another timing cover post.
My '02 3.0L 4x4 has the timing cover leak and needs to have the gasket replaced. I have been researching how to do this for many days but there are so many conflicting opinions on how it can or can't be done. I am concerned about the area where the oil pan meets the timing cover. Can this job be done without jacking up or pulling the engine or transmission? If I just unbolt the oil pan will that work?

 

Don't touch the pan bolts, just remove the 2 at the front that go into the cover to get the cover off.
Be very carful when removing the cover as not to damage or tear the pan gasket.
When putting the cover back on, use a thin film of silicon on the gasket. Now, if the pan gasket is still stuck on the pan itself, leave it that way, don't disturb it just to add RTV.

If you use too much, the gasket has a tendency to squish out.

You may find it easier to jack it up to access the 2 bolts at the bottom of the timing cover.

 

Thank you. That is very helpful. Most references tell you to take the oil pan off but it really did not seem necessary.

 

the key is to NOT rip or tear the oil pan gasket when removing the tc cover