No need to remove the engine tin to pull the tranny.  You can support
just the rear of the engine (flywheel end).  The other end will be
held by the crossmember.

Bolt your chain to the horizontal hole just above the case split on
the very top rear of the engine.  (see page 13.6 of Bentley for a
photo)   If your 81 was like mine you should also remove the rod from
the throttle body to the EGR valve for more chain clearance.

I used a 4x4 but a 2x4 would probably work, I just feel better with a 4x4.

Tip, put a few boards under the 4x4 before tightening the chain. That
way, if you want to lower the rear of the engine a few inches to make
tranny removal/install easier you can just remove/add the boards one
by one. (use another 2x4 as a pry-bar against the engine deck to get
the boards in and out.  Hopefully you have a helper to make it
easier).

>
>One more thing though -- the engine has covers all round, so do they all
>have to come off to  get a chain round the engine? (and round a 2x4 above
>the engine bay, for support)