After some serious digging, it appears the best way to remove the engine is if you have a lift, and can drop it out the bottom as there is lots of room, but I dont have a lift... so I am wondering if anyone has attempted to remove the engine from the top using a hoist or chain..

It looks to be a real tight fit, and perhaps I might have to do it in pieces.

 

mrsats
Apperently you're pretty smart cookie as I looked in the factory manual and they do reccomend removal from the bottom I would suggest going to a library to check out or copy the pages on engine removal from a factory manual most larger cities have factory manuals I personally prefer and suggest factory manuals over chiltons or hayes due to the fact that they are the book the tech fixing you vehicle at the dealership use

 

Yes you can, if it a 3.3 Liter will need to remove the water pump and crank pulley too. If it a 3.0 Liter the bracket that bolts to the timing cover would need to be removed. And crank pulley too.

 

it would be easier to remove it from the bottom. if you can do it from the top let me know how. I've always seen it done with it coming out of the bottom.

 

they come out of the top, done it many many times. saves a ton of time and headaches trying to line the cradle back up, and dealing with axles, and transmission, and steering connections.

REMOVE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE!!!!!
you have no idea how much more room youll have to work.
remove the radiator cowl panel, and remove the radiator. boom, theres the extra room you need.