I find it's easier and faster to take it out the top. On one 951 rebuild, I found the rear crank-seal sitting on the bench
AFTER I had put everything back together and was about to fire it up!
With air-tools, I was able to have it back out again in about 1.5-hrs.
Removing radiator helps, but most of the time, I just remove the crank-pulley and other items. Since it's typically a blown-engine that gets pulled, I start the disassembly in the car by removing:
- power-steering and alternator belts
- crank-pulley
- AC-compressor (stays in car, tie it and hoses down and off to the side)
- headers
- intake & head
Then the engine short-block goes back in and the above list in reverse order. Manipulating the engine is very simple with hoist+leveler. It's hangs and is stable because the weight & COG is below the hoist. With the engine perched on top of a creeper or tranny-jack, it wants to topple over all the time. Especially when you start pulling it out.