I spent the last couple of afternoons getting it ready. Only had to unbolt the drive shaft, disconnect the shift lever, remove the center console and disconnect the reverse light plug, and unbolt some tranny mounts. I rented a towable engine hoist.
It came out pretty easily. The tranny hung up on the steering cross link and took a bit of maneuvering to get it free. My rope had too much slack so I had to remove the ramp stands from under my front wheels and lower the car to get the clearance I needed. I think loosening the mounter mounts from the block might allow for more wiggle room.
I had to cut the old pan gasket with a putty knife. The original cork gasket was really stuck! Scraping the block surface clean took some elbow grease. To do this job with the engine in the car would have been a real PITA
I replaced the rear crankshaft seal and housing gasket.
What is that plate shown in the photo
I am thinking I should re-seal that as well.