Ring gear removal

[machinist]

87 NA 944 173000 miles

Here's the problem.
I had noticed gear oil dripping for several months. Upon finally stopping to investigate I found I had excessive side movement of the CV drive plates.
This had worn the oil seals which was causing the leak. I removed the plates. The long bolts holding them in were tight. I removed the large side plate figuring the bearings were shot. The one in the plate is in good shape. I have read about the hoghead bearings would need reshimming over age but do not know if it's true. I have the Porsche manuals as well as Haynes but still cannot figure out how to get the hoghead / ring gear out without dropping the transmission. I need to check the drivers side bearing to see if it is ok. If I shim all of the play from the passenger side bearing within the large access plate I will push the ring gear too far away from the pinion. I have read all of the posts about proper ring/pinion gapping and feel I can accomplish this. However, I really don't want to drop the transmission. Could the ring gear be unbolted from the hoghead utilizing the drain and fill plug holes for access points?
I may be totally off base in my perception of this problem and maybe someone needs to steer me in the correct path.
Hope someone can help.
Todd

[944 Ecology]

You have to drop the transmission.