Chevy & GMC Vans

pretty sure oil pump went out on my van. is it really that difficult to remove the oil pan. I was reading the chiltons manual and it seems like a pretty intense process. I'm a decent with wrenches but not really a mechanic. Does anyone have any words of wisdom.

Thank You.

A member here had posted a thread recently where he removed his oil pan "In-Situ" as you would like to do.
His post had some tips for you. viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9746
He actually punctured his oil pan but the change out procedure is the same regardless.