Today I bought a parts washer and a metric tap & die set.
I also removed the thermostat housing, fuel injector lines and injectors, and the glow plugs.
More parts removal tomorrow as I get closer to head removal. Everything has been fairly smooth so far* and I should be able to work on it 3 hours a day and all day Saturday.
I'll post updates and photos as I dig deeper.
*A large puddle of trans fluid appeared on the floor under the car, so that will have to be looked into later too.