installing new transmission vac modulator

[kuene]

I'm going to attempt this on my 82 300D Turbo. My modulator is green, and on the driver side of the trans. I've searched for tips/photos/procedures around removing/installing the green-style modulator on transmissions still in the vehicle. My understanding is: it's a pain in the ass but there are some things you can do to make it easier - specifically making the work area more accessible.

Here are two tips I found on peachparts:

1. You can shove the trans a little to the side with a block of wood wedged against the tunnel. Be sure to loosen the fan shroud.


2. The modulator is very hard to get to, I have to disconnect the front of the driveshaft at the trans, and take the trans mounts off to let the trans sag enough to get up in there.

On the first tip: I'm not sure what the fan shroud is - this is something local, down in the tunnel, or is this the main fan shroud in the front of the engine/radiator area?

On the second tip: if i take the trans mount off, do I need to support the trans with a jack?

Would I go with one of these suggestions, or both? Are there any other tips or suggestions from those who have changed modulators while the trans in in the vehicle? I know this has been covered in various threads, but nothing definitive seems to be recorded and agreed upon.

If there is a good wiki or pdf to download that covers this - I'd gladly refer to that, but I didn't find anything yet.