[nkaminar]

Remove the front timing gear cover. The engine will normally not fall down but use a floor jack and a block of wood on some part of the engine to keep it up. In my opinion it is a lot easier to remove the radiator to work on the front of the engine.

Check to see that the grooves for the seals in the timing gear cover and the pan have not been filled in with silicone rubber or other sealant. If they are, clean them out.

The modern rope seals are Teflon impregnated and don't need to be soaked in oil. But put some assembly lube or grease on them where the crankshaft will be riding. They do not need to be cut down and will compress when the pan and cover are replaced. You may need to use a Fillips screwdriver in the bolt holes to pry the cover or pan into position and get the bolts started.
The modern rope seals actually seal fairly well. They are not perfect and you will get a few drops. They will last a long time.