I would not use an impact on the balancer bolt, the outer ring of the balancer is mounted in rubber and the impact may cause the rubber to slip. I damaged an oldsmobile 3.8 balancer that way.
On my 96 the tensioner is at the rear of the engine and the PS pump is top front. Some have said you need to pull the PS pulley (a special puller required) to access the mounting bolts. I was able to remove the bolts with the pulley still on the pump, it was slow going as in 1/8 turn flip the wrench 1/8 turn flip again.
As far as keeping the syncro in time, if you pull the balancer first you will not turn the engine again during the rest of the process then mark and pull the syncro. In reassembly first install the syncro with your marks lined up then reinstall the balancer. Removing the balancer was the only time I had to turn the engine.
Yes the bar and bump the starter is scarey but if you have a remote start switch and go directly to the solinoid you can take it in very small bumps.
Do not try to use the timing teeth on the balancer to stop it from rotating, they are soft and if you deform 1 you will have problems