Are you recommending to take out engine/trans together along with alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor pump and wiring harness?

absolutely, this is how i do this job. you will have to disconnect the 2 ps pump lines at the rack and let'em drain. make sure you plug or tape over the 2 openings in the rack. you do not want crap falling in there. also once you pull both engine/trans out you MUST for ease of install remove the trans crossmember, otherwise the trans will contact it awkwardly on the install making setting the engine mounts into the cradle impossible. leave the engine cradle alone. unbolt the header pipe from the manifold and tie it off to the strut tower side supporting with a brick or something where the header meets the cat. you will also have to unbolt the ac hoses from the compressor.

i pull engines this way borne from experience doing it the remove everything one piece at a time and dirty way which always takes more time, and more frustration from working in awkward space. pulling both together and working in the open space of a driveway unencumbered or garage is really the most efficient use of your time. remove the radiator, it isn't mandatory but gives you more room out and in.

If so, do I need to remove front metal cross bracket or hood for more clearance? tranny dip stick tube?

no, the hood as open as you can get is very doable/ removing is easier but thats your call. the tranny dipstick tupe is part of the trans, leave it along. BUT YOU WILL have to remove the 2 trans lines at the radiator, they come out with the trans/engine

After pulling out, what's the ideal way to set it for working?

some jobs can be done while the engine is hanging from the crane. mostly i support the 2 with several unmounted tires underneath. then separate the trans/engine. torque converter stays with the trans.

it takes me about 1-2 hours to disconnect all the stuff necessary to pull the engine trans together. once done the actual pulling and setting on the ground can be done by one person in less than half and hour. the re install takes longer if done by yourself because of aligning the engine mounts studs into the crossmember with the engine/trans swinging in the air

one more tip, with trans on the ground, i strongly suggest you loosen both od solenoid bolts, wire wheel them and reinstall them with antiseize. absolute piece of cake this way whereas if you need to this job with the trans in the car maybe you'll get lucky and maybe you won't down the road

Thank you as always.