I realize this is an old post, but it appears to be the only one directly addressing removal of the oil pan in-car, so I think it should be resurrected. As in my usual boneheaded mechanical way, I researched this in order to do the job right last night, but came up short. I looked in the FSM and checked out the procedure not noticing that it is basically referencing a motor on the bench, not in-car. When I later (after removing the bolts and getting the pan to drop 1/2") searched the forum for help, I found this to be the best post.
I loosened the two bolts that hold the front engine mount to the crossmember and using a wood block and my floor Jack on the nuts half-started on the threads to try to raise the bolts through the holes enough to raise the drivetrain a little, but no-go. Looks like I'm going to have to take the passenger side engine mount off and rent a engine crane to lift the drivetrain about an inch to improve the clearance enough to change the oil pan gasket.
I'll try to post pics once I get this done right so others know the best way. I would consider lowering the crossmember a little, but I wonder if that is a good idea - does it mess with front end alignment? I also need a way to lift the drivetrain off of it anyway, so the passenger side motor mount looks most promising since either way seems to involve a crane.
Any advice appreciated (except the pull the engine - not an option this week).