I just did this job and I do not have a lift.  We raised the back of the van on jack stands and had no problem.  The transmission is pretty easy to remove and it is not that heavy.  Here are a couple extras you may want to consider buying before starting the job:

  Input shaft seal
  Axle seals
  Axle seal caps
  Rear main seal
  Shift linkage boots

  Additionally, be careful not to accidentally apply any unnecessary force to the rear hear heater hose.  I happened to break the plastic coolant tower causing an extra week of down time.

  Also, the shift linkage plate bolts to the a flange on the side of the tranny.  When you re-attach the part it gets bolted to the front side of the flange.  It will fit on the back side, but you will not be able to shift into 2nd or 4th.

  Clint

  On Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:39:47 -0700, Brendan Slevin
<totorovan@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>I know I should've done it when I had the engine out in September
but.
. .
>
>I think I may need to replace Totoro's clutch in the next couple
months.  I
>felt, for the second time in a couple months, the clutch slip after
shifting
>into second on a moderate hill.  I am wondering what the best kit
is
and
>also, can the replacement happen with out removing the engine
entirely? Any
>tips are greatly appreciated.  Are there lightened flywheels out
there
for
>the 1.9 engine?
>
>Brendan
>84 GL Totoro
>Bend, OR