bibbt

Is it possible to remove the upper oil pan from a 2AZ-FE with the engine in the car? I realize this isn't the official Toyota procedure for doing it. I would like to hear from anyone that has done this with engine in the car.

I don't own a Scion tC but decided to join this forum because it seems as there are way more people on this site that actually do heavy repairs on their cars. I have a 2007 2AZ-FXE that is in a Hybrid Camry that has developed an engine noise that sounds like a rod knock.
That being said, I've yet to find hard evidence that it is actually a rod knock. I removed the lower oil pan and found Steel particles and NOT bearing Babbit in the pan. I've attached a photo of one of the metal pieces that was in the lower oil pan.
Maybe someone will recognize what it is from Thanks, Bibbt