Opinions: Pull the engine easier or not??

[10ac]

Heres the deal, i have a 88 t4r with the 3.0l v6 3vze.
Head gasket blown- gasket kit on way
Replacing timing and water pump- parts on way
Replacing clutch and rear main seal- parts here

Is it hard to remove the engine? Be easier to do that considering everything im having to repair and replace? Or better not to do that and just do the repairs with engine not removed.

 

[fourwd1]

Much easier to do it in the truck IMO.

 

[HanginInUtah]

Just did this with my 2nd Gen. I started off with the heads, but then figured what the hell and pulled the block. I've heard it's a bit tight complete. I actually pulled the block after the heads and everything was off, so it was cake. I redid the rear main, the oil pan, and the front main while I was in there, and don't forget the oil cooler. They're a ***** to fix a leak on, so if you're going to have stuff torn apart you should get it done, too.

My first project that I did the heads on, I didn't touch anything on the lower end. And everything was done, sealed up, running good... I developed an oil pan leak. So that's why this time I figured as long as it's down and apart, I might as well yank the block.