Why go to all that trouble? All you have to do to protect your oilpan is install a skidplate. Mercedes actually sold these as an option to protect the underside of the engine, and they bolt to the cross-member in front and somewhere around the bumper. If you look close at the crossmember you will see to threaded holes, and that it for mounting the skidplate. I have been searching junkyards for one for a while, but have had no luck. Wouldn't be too hard to make one yourself though. Try a custom 4x4 shop.

Greg
'84 300D