What Jon said.
The shop manual actually recommends pulling the engine and transmission in a single piece. The connecting points on the head shown in the shop manual are probably located to balance the engine and transmission as a unit. Alternatively, you could use an engine leveler device, which would allow you to adjust the angle as it comes out, reducing the chance that it smacks something important on the way.
A helper is a good idea, along with that prayer that Jon mentioned.
Good luck. You'll find it an interesting exercise, and it might give you an opportunity to fix other things that need addressing, like completing the flush that Jerry recommends by removing all the casting plugs and sticking a pressure washer wand in the jacket to get the rest of the crud loose.
