i've done this both ways on two different vehicles that are essentially the same underneath. the first was a silhouette mini van that was done on a lift in a shop-transmission only through the bottom, dropping the cradle.
i did my gtp out the top pulling the engine and transmission with it with a cherry picker.
out the top was easier.
both vehicles 4t65e hd transmission, same cradle, axles, pretty much everything same set up.
we could have approached the cradle method better and utilized the lift better by putting the sub frame down with the transmission still in it onto the floor and just lifting the van up. but without a lift that wouldn't work, really. the cradle is heavy. the transmission is heavy. bolting it back to the engine was no small task, even with the transmission jack. we were standing under it, not lying down. we were noobs and we got it done but it was heavy lifting.
out the top was so much easier. the engine hoist did all the lifting and we didn't have to drop the cradle. unbolted the transmission from the engine out of the car on a workbench while still connected to the hoist. very little lifting at all.
plus, with the engine out you can change gaskets, do tune up, whatever maintenance you want out of the car with no obstruction.
just a suggestion.
