where would i jack up the engine block for clearance past the cross member and exhaust in order to take out the oil pan

A hoist would be easier, and safer.

ok ill try to get a hoist. but is there a way where i can just jack it up if i cant get a hoist

well the one place would be the harmonic balancer but thats not very smart cuz it could potentially cause the engine to roll cuz its not attached to the block. you could put a piece of wood (4x4) across the bottom of the oil pan making sure its wider than the oil pan. just jack off of that, but be carefull, even tho that oil pan can probably support 1t of weight, its still flimsy and if your engine mounts are stuck it wont take long before it buckles.

Put a block of wood between a floor jack and the oil pan. Remove motor mount bolts, and distributor cap (so you don't crush it on the firewall). Jack up the engine to the desired height. Put blocks of wood of appropriate size between the engine and where motor mount bolts to frame. Remove floor jack. Remove pan, rotating crankshaft if necessary.

If you put the timing mark on the damper at the 6 o'clock position, it will put the throws of the crank up in the engine, and not hanging down to get in your way.

can i use a jack stand under the motor when i jack it up? would that be safer

do it right, get a engine hoist, dont half *** it like some sort of hazard county hick, youll **** up your engine.