as you said to unbolt the engine and raise it would have been alot easier but we just returned the engine hoist that we had borrowed..so i had to drop the differential a few inches, i didnt remove it all the way but enough to safely remove and reattach the oil pan...its not that hard of work its just a real pain, i smashed my little finger and the nail is falling off <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> that comes with the job though

1995 Montero SR
1999 Montero
1974 Ford Bronco