jamesincI did it that way one time, I think it is easier pulling out the top. I've had an engine and trans out in an hour that way, without a hoist. Disconnecting brake lines isn't hard I suppose but it is messy and you have to bleed them after, before you can enjoy your fresh turbo redblock - such a chore!
And then obviously you have removed the crossmember and the struts and you will probably have altered your wheel alignment
Yeah you’re probably right. I do need to bleed the brakes, but thinking about how massive it is to remove the whole suspension and crossmember, it does seem a bit crazy and possibly dangerous with all that weight etc. and centre of mass shifting on the hoist. I think I may pull the bonnet off as a precaution then I don’t have to worry as much about being able to get the engine up high enough. Every time I pull an engine out it seems like the top of the hoist wants to go thru the bonnet. One of the nice things about that 740 hinge design I guess! :)