FWIW pulling the cover with the engine in the truck isn't the easiest thing, but it is possible...I did it in 2004. You won't hate life quite as much if you pull the grille, radiator, and a/c condenser, but that should be all you need to disassemble in the front end.
On the converse, keep in mind that, when you're drilling, any metal shavings you can't recover will be going into the oil pan via the timing gears.
cure??? some vacuum cleaners,you can hook to the outlet side of the vacuum,,hence PRESSURE!!! now,,the pressure aint high, but the volumn is!! so, take a piece of pvc..that will fit thru the oil fill neck,tape with red green tape,,tape to vacuum hose,,which will now be pressure,,and fire the vacuum..drill the final bit of the hole slower,,and the bits of metal will come back thru the bit........................ your welcome,no extra charge...do the same,,when the hole is retaped larger also...or is used for the helicoil.......