Not sure what changed from 96 to 2000 but the 96 manual also says to remove the engine.
I pulled the cover with the water pump attatched.
The syncro is in the top of the cover on all 3.8's I have seen so it has to come out, it is driven off a sprial gear on the front of the cam and also drives the oil pump.There is no way you could put it back and keep it in time.
I had no problem using the starter to bump the bolt loose
The oil pan gasket I purchased (fel pro) included a tube of black silicone to seal the cover to the pan, the pan gasket does not extend under the cover it only has silicone at the front. There are 2 bolts thru the pan into the cover that need to be removed.
Loosen the water pump pulley bolts before you take the belt off, the belt will keep the pulley from turning. The pulley will not come off on the 96 as it hits the frame but comes right off after you jack the engine up a few inches