pulling a trans

ive started on my 4T80E install...

in order to drop/replace a trans, do you have to pull the subframe? if not, are there any tricks to make it easier? So far, pulling the sidepan of the trans (facing the drivers side fender well) seems to make pulling it out easier...albeit a little messy.

If your leaving the engine in and just replacing the trans then yes drop it with the sub frame.
Derek (deekster_caddy) has recently done one you may want to wait for him to chime in or email him or something.
BillBoost also has a lot of experience with doing these.

You do need to drop the subframe to pull the trans, and you'll need to support the engine after you separate the two. You will not need to remove the side case to pull the trans.

we ran out of time today, but it looks like we will be able to swap the trans by only partially dropping the subframe. 3 of the 4 corners of it is unbolted and there appears to be enough room to get the 4T60 out.

but of course, getting the much larger 4t80 in is another story....