new 1990 mm owner

just saying hi!! finally got my hands on one of these awesome trucks in a trade!! right now he runs rough and tires all ate up, but he is pretty clean. gonna make him a solid dd and possibly turbo head swap in the future...plans for now is a timing belt and reseal for most of the motor, energy suspension bushings and moog suspension parts, and maintenance stuff...i actually have my timing belts off and having a hard time getting the oil pump cover off. i have everything unbolted and it slides like it wants to come off, but it only slides about 1/4". does the oil pan need to come off all the way?

found the answer to my oil pump cover issue. the pick up tube for the pump needs to be removed. thanks royster!!