After setting the Haynes manual aside and perusing the FSM (yeah, I know... Haynes... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />) it became clear that the Haynes procedure was referring to the 2.6 2WD rather than the 3.0 4WD. Once I saw the 3.0 section in the FSM it was much clearer. Looks like I have to pull part of the exhaust though to drop the transmission? Ah well... it's already disconnected from the exhaust manifold at least <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Tonight's little adventure was pulling the shifters. The manual was a little unclear but apparently wanted me to pull some things off that didn't want to come off, so I ended up pulling both the shifter and the T-case lever, held together by a large piece of rubber (NOT the shift boots, no problems with those). Looks like the small rubber boot on the shifter is partially torn <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the tip on the jack -- I've got a small scissors-style transmission jack I bought from Harbor Freight several years ago that I plan on using. That little jack works great for dropping GM fuel tanks to replace the fuel pump as well!

Eric W.