[Bukowski]

I have already read a number of things including the SM about connecting rod and bearing replacement. I know the bearings can be replaced from below during oil pan gasket replacement (yes I know a lot of helpful links and stuff on the internet but if you want to offer more feel free).

now, from what I have read, the connecting rods themselves must be replaced as part of a different project. What I cannot judge is how much more of a project the connecting rod replacement is compared to replacement of just the bearings (e.g. as part of the oil pan gasket replacement). It is not clear what that "different" project is - perhaps it is removing the engine entirely and having it on a bench.

... I suppose another way to ask the question is: if the oil pan gasket is "the" problem, you are obliged to replace the rod bearings. However, if the *connecting rods* are to be replaced (including bearings, nuts), does the engine need only have the "top" taken off instead, or is it obligatory to remove the engine?