Is it feasible to pull the engine without the oil pan? In other words, could I essentially leave the cv axles and oil pan in place and just pull the engine? Or am I wishful thinking?

I'm not excited or convinced to swap engines yet...

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2000 e39 M5 Titanium on Black
2006 e53 M54 Titanium on Black
2007 e83 Black on Black Sport pkg
2004 Avalanche 2500 lifted 4.88 gears
1994 jacked up Jeep
1987 GMC lifted short bed on tons