I pulled mine from the top as a engine/trans combo and it went just fine. All my experience is in RWD as well, but as long as you don't catch the brake lines or rad on the way out its just as easy.
While you have it out you can line the trans up while the motor hangs from the hoist and wriggle it forward seating the converter and bolting it all up. Then just drop it back in. Done!
Word to the wise- watch the plastic fuel lines on these cars! You have to move them pretty far back to clear things and you don't want to snap one.
