Rod/Main bearings...help!

Hey guys,

Turns out either my rod or crank bearings could be toast.

I get this very loud ticking sound coming from my block/tranny.
At first I thought it was the tranny for sure.
Well after I swapped the tranny today and made sure the exhaust was tight I still get the noise.
Tomorrow I'll drop the oill pan and see what's up.
Some guy at the garage told me I need to tilt the engine to get the oil pan off(?).
To check the bearings I just need to drain the oil and undo the bolts holding on the oil pan right?

Can rod/main bearings be swapped out when the engine is still in the car?

The guy said technically main bearings COULD be done if you undo the caps and the crank will drop a bit. MAYBE you could do it but he said he's never tried it.

Thanks guys.

Sorry for the stupid questions..I'm still learning. (but willing to learn)

Patrick

Damn.

I can't even change the rod bearings with the engine still in?

I'm hoping it might just be a main cap that's a bit loose. But the way my luck has been I doubt it.

The car has a Vortech SC at about 8 pounds of boost.

It dynoed at about 415 at the flywheel.
I think the car was beat on before I got it.

Also, do tie rods start leaking at 65k miles?
That seems a bit early but I noticed mine are almost dripping!

Did it make the ticking sound even at idle?

Damn...that's it then.


Well, I'm stationed in Germany so getting an engine is not that easy.
I did find an 03 shortblock.

Swapping everything over to the shortblock would probably be easier than having the crank taken to get a regrind etc.