can I remove the timing cover without removing my oil pan?

I am replacing all the guide rails and tensioner on my 77 450sl with 175,000 miles. I have all the guide rails off with the excetption of the two inside the timing cover. I have everything off the but the timing cover itself. My manual says i neeed to remove the oil pan and pull the oil pump. Is there any way around this any tricks other than pulling the motor mounts and lifting the engine or removing the fron axel?

thanks,
jmdunn