How "screwed" am I, literally.

[nfpgasmask]

OK, I called Lithia Isuzu here in Reno and inquired about a new pan. They quoted me $231.75, no plug or plug gasket included. Thay also confirmed that the seal is silicone. No gasket.

So, then I called Merlin. He is drop shipping the part to me from Isuzu for $183.58, new plug and plug gasket included. Almost $50 cheaper and the plug is included! Hooray for Merlin!

AND, I also got a reply from Tobert. He confirmed that the gasket is silicone and said the job is not that hard. I replied and asked him about the cross member, just to be sure. He also suggested I try a new plug first. So far, all I have done is change the copper washer.

So, my remaining questions are still:

1) Do I need to move the cross member. (So far I think the answer is no, but I am not 100%)

2) What type of silicone sealer is best for this job?

3) If I buy a new plug of the same size, do I run the risk of shaving off some metal into the engine? If so, doesn't that stuff get trapped in the oil filter???

Thanks everyone for your help.

Bart