-according to alldata (i work at a chevy dealer) you do have to pull the motor. unfortunately aids for that old of vehicle are scarce but here's the procedure they show for doing an oil pan. usually all data is fairly accurate on procedures. might wanna try to pick up a repair manual if you can...
-as for the torque converter cover are you talking about the bell housing?.
-and transmission kick down cable, not sure what you mean by that, the shift cable?
oil pan r & r
4 X 2
-Disconnect battery ground cable.
-Remove engine as described under ``Engine, Replace.(look below)''
-Remove oil pan.
-Reverse procedure to install. Before installing oil pan, thoroughly clean all sealing surfaces, then apply a 1/8 inch bead of RTV sealant, or equivalent, to the entire oil pan sealing flange.
-Engine replacement
4 X 2
-Disconnect battery ground cable.
-Scribe reference marks in the hood hinge area, then remove hood.
-Drain cooling system, then remove radiator hoses, overflow hose, transmission cooler lines (if equipped), upper radiator shroud and radiator.
-Remove cooling fan, then disconnect heater hoses.
-Remove air cleaner assembly.
-Identify, then disconnect vacuum hoses from engine.
-Disconnect necessary engine wiring from bulkhead.
-Disconnect throttle linkage as necessary, then remove distributor cap.
-Raise and support vehicle.
-Remove converter to exhaust pipe bolts, then disconnect exhaust pipes at manifolds.
-Remove strut rods at bellhousing (if equipped).
-Remove flywheel cover bolts, then the cover.
-On models equipped with automatic transmission, remove torque converter bolts.
-On all models, disconnect shield at rear of catalytic converter, then remove converter hanger.
-Remove lower radiator fan shroud.
-Disconnect fuel lines from fuel pump.
-Remove two outer bolts from front air deflector.
-Remove left side body mount bolts, then raise body using suitable lifting equipment.
-Remove bellhousing bolts, then lower body to frame.
-Remove motor mount through bolts, then lower vehicle.
-If equipped with A/C or power steering, disconnect A/C compressor and/or power steering pump.
-Install suitable lifting device on engine.
-Support transmission with suitable jack.
-Remove engine assembly.
-Reverse procedure to install.