You can get the crank out but not the pistons. Pistons have to come out from the top. I've never seen a piston ring issue on these motors though.

If you have a shop and resources, I'd pull the motor. If you are doing this in a driveway then I would leave it in.

1992 VR4 12.5 @ 110 - SOLD
1993 Stealth RT/TT 11.4 @ 129 - SOLD
1991 VR4 9.2 @ 159 - Old Shop Car
1992 Stealth Twin Turbo ATX - SOLD
1990 Montero LS LWB - RIP
1995 Montero LS - RIP
1998 Montero
1992 Galant VR4 474/1000
2007 Prius