I removed the front u-joint and rotated it off the driveshaft to ease removal. Granted, I had a lift, but removing a tranny is the same if you're standing under the car or laying under it.
The EGR tube MUST be out of the way...I dont know why but 2 of the 5 trannies I've removed, the EGR tube was in the way.
I like the advice of removing that funky rubber plug from the driver's side of the engine to access the TC bolts.
cooler lines first
MLPS/harness
exhaust
bell housing bolts.
floor jack with cup removed and make a home-made tranny pan holder
take yo dang time