I only remove the lower valance on my 1980. Granted, the rear end must be raised pretty high to be able to pull the engine out. I use a “U” shaped Dolly to have the engine sit on once lowered. I then remove the jack and use it to raise the body higher up on the jack stands to get the right amount of clearance without the engine weight.
I used a harbor freight dolly and modified it into a beefed up “U” shaped Dolly back in 1998. I have used it about 5 times over the past 25 years.
