Really, it would be easier to take the entire thing out as is. Mostly because the same steps need to be taken. In order to get these 3 inches of clearance more things need to be taken apart :/
To get the engine out alone:
1. Remove the drivers side inner shrouding.
2. Remove the lower tranny mount
3. Remove the drivers side axle; remove the 30mm nut. remove the strut to spindle bolts (18mm and 21mm). You then may be able to turn the wheel and remove the axle from the spindle (if not then also remove the tie rod end). From there remove axle from the tranny (its held on with a c ring so just give it a good pull and it will pop out.
4. Push the tranny away from the engine into the wheel well. The other axle has nothing holding it in so it will slide out as the tranny is being pushed. A jack helps keep it upright.
5. From here push it in untill it clears the pressure plate. It will be a balancing act, so some rope to help it stay where you want it can help.
6. Now remove the motor
Removal with engine and tranny:
Same steps 1-3.
4. Pull passenger axle out from tranny (leave it connected to the spindle)
5. Remove tranny and engine as is connected.
Other option:
Drop subframe onto a dolley. I use the engine hoist to lift the car up about 34in, with the back of the car on 2 jack stands for support. I then lower the subframe onto a dolley and roll the entire drivetrain out from under the car. I then can remove the engine and leave the tranny/axles/ and everything else as is. To do this you need to unhook the entire exhuast system so you can rotate it. Not that hard really
Your choice i suppose
