Don't be afraid of the throttle linkage. most of it can remain intact; and it's just ball and socket connections that snap right off. Take a photo before you start.
I removed my manifold and pushed it back an inch or two to get the head off.
It's been several years, but I don't remember it being a big deal at all. The injection plumbing can stay on and in one piece. The injectors plug into the intake, so they come off with it. When you clean out the PCV port, don't use anything sharp, it's a very specific size hole. While you're in there, clean out the exhaust recirculation port in the bottom of the intake manifold also.
And it would be a great time to replace the rubber hoses on the idle air control valve.

Jump on in, there's nothing you can mess up that the guys on here can't walk you through. I trusted the forum enough to wade into a tranny, and it came out well with the help from the guys here.

DG