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I think the best way to do this is to is, when you get to the point of actually removing or installing the transmission, have the rear of the engine raised about as high as you can get it.
For removal first support the engine from the top (see below) and loosen the engine mounts so as not to strain them during the procedure. Loosen the bottom mating bolts. With a jack under the transmission, slacken the engine support. Lower the engine/trans and get the top and starter bolts loose and remove them. Then raise the whole thing back up with the jack as far as you can while allowing for clearance when separating the transmission from the engine. Take care not to damage the heater hoses. Tighten up the hook that supports the engine. Then pull the bottom bolts and separate the trans from the engine. At this point you have to lower the the trans a little and stop to move the jack as lowering will also bring it forward. This is also a bit tedious. Lower it, move it, lower it, etc. When installing it's just the opposite. Raise it, move it forward and so on. All of this would be unnecessary if the rear of the engine could be lowered to the point where the starter bump would clear but it rests against the firewall before this can happen. Also you might be able to loosen the top nuts from above with an offset boxend in which case the rear of the engine needs to be raised, not lowered. I found there was too much stuff in the way on my '89 to use this approach. I have done it on my '80. I guess it's moot since you've got the trans out already.
For engine support, if you have an engine hoist that's the best thing to use. If you don't, a home made support using a 6' piece of unistrut and a hook works well enough. See http://cleanflametrap.com/oilpan/ and scroll down throuh the pics on the left to the one captioned, 'Here is a better engine lifting support -'. That pic and the one below it are pretty much self explanatory except for gearbox remaoval I used the middle lifting eye on the right side of the engine. I couldn't find a hook like the one in Art's pictures so I bought a 7/16" eye bolt and cut out a small section. A nut and appropriate size washer are the only other things you need.
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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon
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