note to others: if you have 2007 to 2009 5.3 with afm. if you are getting the pan gasket replaced and you have afm. get the afm relief valve shield installed while the pan is down.

 

Another update. The oil pan remains dry. The steering rack was leaking when we did the previous work, but began leaking puddles so I took it to my mechanic. I mentioned to him that just a few days earlier I started hearing some funny noises... He drained the front diff fluid and sure enough there was metal in it. Apparently while the vent tube was disconnected water got in the diff which started rusting things and trashed most of the bearings...it's all down hill from there.

So now I have a new (salvage yard) front diff, new drive axle, rebuilt power steering pump, and salvage yard steering rack.

I guess the lesson here is to ensure your diff vent hoses are attached.