Drew,
You should be able to do this without sliding the rear end back. Put a jack under the torque tube, unbolt and slide the u-joint cover back, undo the u-joint, slide it back into the tube and then lay the front end of the tube on the ground. Then the tranny will come right out. If you have a crossmember under the tranny you will need to unbolt and remove it first, of course.
Kurt
