That's the usual procedure. Car up on jack stands, piece of thick plywood under the pan (Pull the plug and drain first). Unbolt the mounts, jack it up as far as you can without breaking something and put a block of wood in between the motor mounts. Lower the jack just enough to take the pressure off it and load the blocks in between the mounts and frame. Get on top and shake it around as best you can (just to make sure nothing is going to bust loose on you.) Get under it and get to work. It's a dirty,nasty job but it can be done.
Sorry to butt in, but never jack anywhere on the pan except the rail. The plywood might help, but it's not worth the risk...too many times the pickup clearance is reduced due to deformation. Devon
I've gotten away with it. At the time it was leaky rear main, sorry selection of tool's, working in the parking lot in winter, little excess cash and it was my DD and had to run by monday so I could get to work. It's one way to skin a cat.
