"Due to the deeper oil pan on these models, the front axle member must be disconnected and lowered to remove the pan."


Not true. All you need to dismantle is the left hand engine mount assembly. Drop the pan a bit, and swing through 90 degrees. If the oil pump catches on a baffle plate, reach in and remove the pump with the pan half hanging. Then cut or bend the offending bit of baffle out of the way for reassembly.

There is a thread somewhere here giving fuller details.