Tom Suddard wrote: Hmm, am I going to have to pull the subframe? It looks like (assuming I do pull the subframe) I'm going to need a set of alignment dowels, and a flywheel holding tool. Anything else special?
I did things "by the book," and lowered the subframe. Those were the only special tools that I used. I bought these and the FSM, all used, on ebay. If you change out the rear main seal and want to be uber-cautious, c-f-m has the special tool to easily install the seal.
I have heard that the alignment pins are not necessary if you just use a paint pen to outline the subframe, especially if you do an alignment afterwards (and I still did despite the pins). I guess you have to do your own cheapskate analysis.
I removed the subframe because I had to change the starter motor as well. Since I did all of the work solo, i chose the path of slowest, but least likely to screw up.