I have done this with success. Here's a better trick though. Put the oil pan back in andw/ a few bolts so its tight. Unbolt the engine from the engine mounts so that 1/2 is still attached to engine makin ga V. Now jack up teh engine (via pan if you want as high as you can - but watch the bellhousing, it will hit teh tunnels after ~3" or so... just go as far as you can. Now slip soem wood blocks in teh space where teh mounts should meet, and let off teh jack. Blocks will hold it up.
Now if you need ~1/2" more clearance, support the front differential and removet he bolt that hold teh front cover to the crossmember... w/o the bolt there, it wil ldrop a little more.
This is *just enough* to wiggle the pan out from around it. You have to holder mouth just right too... but it beats removing the whole front end!