Ns8, thats what a transmission jack is for, especialy the one you can borrow from a neighbor or friend. As for removal, a tire or two worked great for air cooled VW engines if you are in a hurry. Should be OK for the trans as long as you yank it hard enough to clear the input shaft before it starts its descent. :-)

__________________
Hanno
'79 6.9 Sold (after 27 years)
'83 280SL, 5 spd.
'94 E320 Sdn. 5 spd conversion
'02 E320 Sdn.(on loan to mom!)
'87 300E (5 spd. conversion) Sold
'05 E500 Wagon