[cstreit]

I've always found the effort to be about the same.

Just dropping the engine requires less parts to disconnect and a much easier mass to deal with. THe balance point is just foward (an inch or so) of the sump. However it requires more careful re-insertion and making sure the shift for is aligned.

Dropping them as a unit requires more disconnect (including all the CV bolts), and the entire unit is bigger and heavier. I don't like muscling the trans onto the engine for alignment... But that can be easier than trying to muscle in the engine while aligning the shift fork.