I would drop the tranny by disconnecting it from the bell housing. If you cant lower the tranny via a engine hoist thru the cab as I had suggested earlier, I would use a floor jack on wheels or better yet, a transmission jack that you can roll under the truck and raise up to support the tranny. First disconnect the driveline from the tranny, raising the driveline with UJoint up against the flooring and secure it in place. Disconnect and remove the rear transmission crossmember. You then have the space to unbolt the tranny from the bellhousing, pull back (with the weight now resting on the floorjack) then lower it down to pull out from under. This leaves the bell housing attached to the motor.

Obviously there are numerous things that need to be disconnected as well such as speedometer cable, etc. While down under, disconnect the clutch linkage, etc.

Food for thought.........

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.