i wouldve posted something but all i wouldve been able to say is to keep goin at it. ive never had the oil pan off a jeep 4.0 before so i don't know what to do. now did you get the pan seperated from the block?
also for the steering damper why don't you just disconnect the drag link so the damper falls dpwn to the axel trust me those things don't come off easily.... a cutting torch is usually requiered. at least where I'm from.