Yes, Yes, and Yes!
Timing Cover first -

Heads are on, all bolts loosened/removed,
including Oil Pump.

Cover is 3/4" off block at top, maybe 3/8" at bottom.
Got there by gradually prying off slowly and gently.
Appears to be "stuck" on one/more of the sleeves to left of crank hole.

Thinking of using a three prong puller and pull on the inside of
the crank seal, but worried about damage.

Also, what does manual show for crank gear pulling ?
I'll need to remove that guy to get the damaged woodruff key out.

Have fax at work if you think that might help.

thx in advance,
joe