1998 cavalier do you need a engine hoist to change the oil pan.i see they have a engine torque strut?

If your talking about the 2.2 litre, it is safe to remove the ';dog bone'; to access the pan, you will also have to remove the a/c compressor out the way (don't disconnect). There is a large stamped metal plate at the front of the engine that covers 2 of the pan bolts so it has to be removed as well.