I have pulled my engine three times while leaving the tranny in place. To clear the shaft I had to muscle it at some odd angles up and rotated to the left side. I have to strip things off the engine to get it out - I think I took the carbs linkage and manifolds off so I wouldn't whack them; I also may have taken the alternator off. If you have a remote oil filter or a thicker performance oil pump, then it might need to be removed as well to clear the main cross tube.
I rented a hoist for $20 and it saved my back the last time. I covered the top of the back bulkhead and used a few layers of duct tape on hte main cross tube to protect them as well. It is real tight.
Most of this was because I have an older Beck without a removeable tube between the shock tops. If that were removable, then you might be able to undo the front trans mount bolts and loosen the rear ones and jack the trans up so that the engine can clear the main cross tube at the back of the bulkhead.
Let us know if you find an easier way.
Regards,Mike