Bill, I don't know if it is true or not because I have never done it, but according to my factory repair manual you don't need to remove the engine to change the oil pan...maybe somebody else here has actually done it. It says remove half shafts, wire them back towards the wheels, disconnect drive shaft and remove axle housing. remove starter and cover under bellhousing, unbolt oil pan and slide it rearward.
Don't know if this idea will help, but maybe somebody else here has actually done it