hey man I feel your pain I had a piece of porcelain fall down into the cylinder and can't get it out and I am freaking out

 

I would try that first too but chances are its laying on the baffles.. tools getting dropped into engines happen more then you would think I had a diesel a few wks ago the owner dropped a bolt into the number 3 cylinder trying to replace an injector

 

If you have the bit in the oil pan, whats the big deal? The oil pump pickup has a screen on it so it won't get sucked up anywhere. I'd just leave it be and drive it the way it is.

 

If you are sure that it fell all the way to the pan just leave it there it wont hurt anything. If there is any doubt that it made it all the way down then you got to find it. but fishing around through the drain is certainly worth a try and if you have a realy strong magnet try sliding it along the bottom of the pan to steer it toward the drain

 

Just what I was about to say! Harbor freight has some really strong magnets for a good price try those! Good luck hope its in the pan!

 

Thank you every one for all the help. I am definitely going to buy a bigger magnet from harbor freight this week.

We tried to take the cross member off today but those bolts are in there good! I'm going to pick up a impact wrench and air compressor from harbor freight or the PX on post tomorrow for sure. I could just use the auto craft shop for 2 bucks an hour but that would include paying to tow the truck.

 

Well I got the crossmember and sway bar off but I cannot figure out how to drop the passenger side of the front axle with out just taking the whole darn thing off. Is is possible to just lower it with out messing up my CV joints?

 

That sucks!! I would check with local shops to see what they would charge or recommend... also keep trying maybe you will luck out.

good luck man.

 

There is a bolt that you can remove that allows you to drop the axle a few inches and gives you enough room. It will not hurt the cv joints.

 

Today I got the oil pan off, stripping the wires on what I believe is the sensor for the oil. Oh well. And to my surprise found a TON of broken plastic pieces and dirt in the pan! But alas no socket So I have taking the valve covers and oil pan off, probed with my magnets and still cannot find the darn thing! I just want to light the truck on fire right now. No idea what to do, there is no way I can afford to pay the dealership 2K to fix it....