I recently purchased a 2001 with the 6.6. The engine had a bent rod on the number 4 cylinder. In order to remove the upper oil pan I had to remove the transfer case, transmission, and fly wheel to get to two bolts that were hidden behind the fly wheel. What a pain in the @@@. My question is, Is it really necessary to reinstall those two bolts? I really don't understand their function and it would sure make life a lot easier if I ever have to get back into the bottom end.

duno about the answer to your Q but do you have an auto or manual? Howd you reinstall? you have a shop manual for the proper specs? Just making sure:)

I have an automatic. I purchased a complete set of shop manuals from GM. 5 volumes 1 1/2 inches thick each. So I have all the information I need to put it back together...or take it appart as far as that goes. I'm waiting on a piston. It appears that this truck my have suffered from being started with engine starting fluid. I bought it at a salvage auction after someone ran it into a pond. I think it was likely an insurance job. They probably ethered it, realized what they had done later and decided it was cheaper to take it swimming. I summized this because the air filter box has a small melted spot on it and the carbon ring in the cylinder with the bent rod looks as if it had been run for a while after the damage was done.

You went through all that trouble to remove them, it dont take nothing to install them back again since its all apart...or am I missing something?

I think he means that if he has to take it apart again for anything, he won't have to pull the trans.