Sorry about the suggestion of pulling the engine for a clutch change. When I dive into a car, I go head first. Having the engine out makes it incredibly easy to do the clutch (but it's not necessary), and it also makes it extreamly easy to take care of all the other items on the service schedule and whatever else that needs to be done.

Here's what I typically service or replace if I pull the engine:
1. Clutch (if it's a manual transmission).
2. Rear main seal. (Since you have access to it while changing the clutch, replace it now for $6 and save the headache and $500 later. It must be put in your freezer before installing to get the ring to shrink down to proper size, and then expands as it warms up to lock itself in place.)
3. New/Replacement wiring harness if the vehicle is an '80-'87 and hasn't had a harness upgrade done yet.
4. Water pump.
5. Timing belt.
6. Front oil seals.
7. Remove and clean the breather box below the flame trap (they're usually clogged).
8. Accessory bushings.
9. Engine mounts and tranny mount.
10. New intake manifold gasket, sometimes exhaust manifold gaskets if needed.
11. Clean throttle body and IAC Valve.
12. Cooling system flush and new thermostat and coolant.
13. And put the partridge in the pear tree.

After a tuneup like this, the engine is almost as good as new. -and ready to roll on for another 100,000 to 250,000 miles (aside from the scheduled services and the occasional water pump).

I've pulled transmissions before, while leaving the engine in the car and using a set of jackstands. Sorry for not mentioning this in my previous post, I was having flashbacks to a project in June where I had the engine and M47 out of the car.

God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
--
'87 Blue 240 Wagon, 247k miles.
'88 Black 780, PRV-6, 145k miles.