Since the clearance with the U bracket is between the trans and the motor, you don't get any additional room regardless of where the motor is. You don't need to remove the cradle, but if you lower the rear 2 bolts and let the cradle hang down 2-3 inches you get some additional room to work with. Go ahead and remove the motor mount altogether(remove it from the chassis and u bracket and remove it completely. Make sure to inspect it because it probable needs replacing too). This will give you some additional room. I've done this gasket replacement 4 times between my car and other cars. You don't need to remove the compressor. You also do not need to remove the front cradle bolts just leave them alone.
