You can pull it with or without the head on the engine. Without makes it a little more manuverable. I can't comment on the bellhousing bolts because I've never pulled a 2.6 from a Monty.

If you haven't already, pull the radiatior and fan, that will give you much more room.

As far as manual vs. auto, I think they both have their difficulties, I'm not sure that I'd say one is harder than the other. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

'06 Dakota QC 4.7 6sp 4x4
'88 Mighty Max
'77 KZ1000 fun old bike