I am in the process of removing a 5.2L from a second generation body. I have a first gen also and it seems like I have a lot more room behind the firewall to unbolt the trans to engine bolts. It wasn't even a huge deal on the 4.7L engine. Because of the intake I can't easily reach these bolts.

So, what is the easiest way? Pull the engine and trans out at the same time? Drop the drive shaft and trans to change the angle?

 

From the threads i've read, it seems most people pull the engine out with the tranny at the same time. although i could be mistaken