I did this once when the shaft on
oil pump broke on '81 Ford pick up. The engine ran for about 5 mins. after the
oil pump quit. I had to lift engine slightly to get pan off. The crank looked fine so I just put new bearings in with lots of lube on them. I used a really thin screw driver to push top cap around and out. Then check with plastic gauge. It's been two years and 10,000 miles and engine is running strong. Lucky I guess.
Oil pump failed due to a piece of plastic getting wedged into it. I had just had oil changed
at a quick lube place,something I always usually do myself,I figure the plastic had to come from oil filter they installed,el
cheapo one I 'd guess. This is what happens when you're too lazy to change your own oil. Live and learn!!