I found dropping the gearbox first was much easier, for me. With the help of an engine hoist sticking thru the passenger door and then connected to the gear box, this allows me to slowly drop the gearbox down to the ground. Then slide it out from under the truck.
Craig
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear
My truck ....... Respect The Rust
If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.