Is there a reason I cannot just remove the cross member under my 87 2wd longbed pick-up to gain access to swap out the oil pan? The one set of instructions I found on-line call for a tie rod end puller.

 

I pull the cross member, but its still tough to get the pan out. I used to take me huge pry bar and sneak the pan past the center link. If ya can't do that pop just the center link off the idle and pitman, leaving it connected to the tie rod ends. Should be cake then.