I checked the bolt on side the noise was coming from, and it was tight. Couldn't get at other side.

While about it, I did a few tests:
- First I put a floor jack and 1x6 plank under oil pan barely making contact. Started car and it made the clunking noise. Gradually lifted pan a bit at a time. The noise diminished and then went away. Took about an inch of lift.
- Lined up top of valve cover with top of fender (by eye) and lifted the pan. It moved up a bit (hard to measure) before the fender started to lift.

Not sure if this is normal. The car body is supported on jackstands at rear., front wheels on ground. Rear tires would be about 9" off ground. So there is quite a bit of load on the front end springs. I guess that would bring the engine down closer to front suspension?

Maybe what I am seeing is not unusual? Hard to inspect front end with car supported as it is, but I have checked under car as best I can, and can't see any place that shows signs of contact. Will check again once I get new rear axles on.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5