Truckernix- I'm doing the front seal as well, so I already it and balancer removed, so I guess I'm safe in that regard. How much more did the crank drop after you pulled the transmission? Was it one of those "ah hah" moments?
Achipmunk- I am using a similar tool.
Here is a link to the Autozone tool I'm using. (part #27147). Is this the same one you've used?
I'd love to hear anyone else who has insights on this process. I will get this done, but I'm hoping I don't have to escalate things to a much bigger project (transmission and/or engine removal). Thanks in advance.
