+1 on the exhaust. 2 new exhaust flange gaskets should be ordered.
Yes there is room to drop the transaxle with out hitting the spare wheel well.
The use of a floor jack and a transmission accessory addition on the floor jack will take the weight of the transaxle off your shoulders !! (laugh, laugh)
You have to remove/unbolt the rear linkage. The long shift shaft is bolted to the linkage with a wired security bolt. Put the bolt in a bag and label it. Do not over torque the bolt on assembly.
Repack the 4 CV joints.
There is a foot long black tube that is inside the transaxle. This tube may cause you problems when you reinstall the transaxle. Be patient. Put it back in.
Here is a link with a few pictures. You will only use the beginning portion:
My clutch job, in pictures:
Take pictures of the rear hatch area fuel intake after you take off the metal & carpet covers.
The picture will help you put the hoses back in the correct place.
Get Permatex black rubber sealer for the metal cover.
Replace all hoses on top of the tank--gas and vacuum.
If the tank is welded, make sure the hoses still fit in the grooves and that the welder did not put a brace in the area that prohibits the hoses from laying flat.
The job is real easy the 3rd or 4th time you do it.
GL
John