Been there, done that. Here in Nebraska, more than a few back roads, and intersections. One time I took a cavalier loaded with 6 people over a section of road, we came down so hard we ripped the exhaust off the car. I have jumped an Integra, my F150 {1984 and 1979 4x4}, 1992 Explorer sport, 1976 Ford Elite {similar to a Torino, which made a ton of sparks...LOL} and I had gotten all 4 tires off the ground with my '99 se. Only damage it ever suffered was the headliner...from my head smacking it mid air. Now, I just drive it a little harder than i should.
I still have my explorer, and for a 4x4, it's ammusing to jump it as hard as I do. Beater with a/c and a heater.
ANYWAYS, as far as you doing the pan, I was going to say, rent a engine hoist, shouldn't cost too much, maybe $30-$0 for a day, take your time, and safely support the car.
Don't car what brand/engine, pretty much the same no matter what you are working on.
I have done many a oil pan gasket, and even on my old stuff for like my F series trucks, or my Torino, you have to lift the engine up, generally 4"-6"
