It is kind of a PITA. I don't remember what all needs to be disassembled, but the timing belt needs to come off. Good idea to replace it as long as you're at it, if you haven't done so lately.
Yep... Pain in the arse for sure. Had mine done recently and had the timing belt redone as well. With labor and everything it ran me about $500 which considering how much time it took I think I got a pretty good deal. Good luck!