Just did this yesterday (after an embarrassingly long time). I was removing my failed transmission for replacement in effort to leave the intake in place, I found that one could support the lower part of the engine oil pan with a jack and wood block. Support transmission with jack and wood block. Remove transmission cross member. Lower both evenly and slowly until stud/nut is exposed from side/underside.
I think the first time I pulled the engine, I pulled the intake, i sat on the engine, reached behind, and used a ratcheting wrench. Good luck.
