[nwtpilot]

Not sure if its as easy on the V6 ( I'm assuming the 3.0 is a 6? ), but I found a great video on testing for a bad rod bearing and it worked really well for me on my 2.3L.

Basically, with the spark plugs out, move each piston just past TDC by hand, so that the piston moves from " pulling " the crank up, to "pushing" it down. Any play in the rod bearing will now be underneath the rod, so pushing down on the piston, with a stick or screwdriver thru the spark plug hole, will give evidence of play by moving when you push.

I did this before changing out a rod bearing on my 2.3L from underneath and it showed play in #1 cylinder. Enough evidence to warrant dropping the pan and confirmed once I had the pan off.

super easy on the 4 cyl 2.3, oil pan dropped straight down with nothing in the way and bearings spun out and new one back in with no fuss.

good luck