2003 Eurovan - timing chain: pull tranny or engine?

[turbo+]

2003 Eurovan - 242k miles. I got cam shaft position sensor, and misfiring on all cylinder. So I checked the timing - I pulled the valve cover and lined up both camshafts (parallel slot) and the mark on the pully on the crank shaft does not meet up with the mark on the engine block. So my conclusion was that the timing chain jumped a tooth.
I've found some instructions on how to do it, basically remove both drive shafts and pull the tranny to get to the chain, but it looks to me that it would be easier to leave the tranny in place and pull the engine? Would I "just" disconnect the tranny from the engine block, move the engine out of the tranny shaft and pull it out. Granted I've never pulled an engine, so that's just my basic understanding and idea. Or am I missing some major steps or there is not enough space to move the engine away from the transmission, or some bolts are not accessible?
I see the advantage that all the drive train can stay in place.
I am also thinking of pulling the head since the engine is out in that case.

any thoughts/advice??

[Zeitgeist 13]

Check out my experiences on the last few pages of the Timing Chain thread (a few threads below this one). It's a big job to remove just the engine or the combo. I'm still in the middle of this project, but will start in again when we get back from vacation this weekend. I'll post more pics and thoughts then.
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[markcm2]

I posted a thread documenting our full engine pull, transmission removal for rebuild, and timing chain replacement as well. You can find it under threads I started. There are plenty of other threads asking the same question too.

Bottom line is both are a big job. Pulling the assembly is probably more work overall while just pulling the transmission is probably "harder work" if that makes sense.

Having a second person will make this job way better, I did it with a friend and it was a big job at that. But worth it in the end.