The orientation of the center diff (which floats slightly in the IFS suspension cradle, but not much) is probably too close to the bottom of the pan to allow it to be dropped AND to clear all the components in the sump. You probably have to either disconnect/drop the center pumpkin and associated bits to get that clearance. I'm guessing if you're working on the bottom end, you'll want to pull the front drive-shaft anyway to give you room to work and disconnecting the suspension cradle isn't that big a deal to you.
The tricky part may be in the fact that the engine mounts are (I believe) attached/built into to the top edge of the IFS cradle, it forms the lateral bracing for the engine mounts.
Dan
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2005 Silver CRD Limited

245/75R16 GoodYear Duratracs
Fumoto drain | ProVent CCV Filter
Stanadyne FM100 filter | Cummins fuel pump
GDE Eco | SEGR | BoulderBars | FrankenLift | Frankenskids