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I have to replace the rear crankcase cover gasket, as it has blown out and created a huge coolant leak.
Not looking to do extra work or to make things more complicated.

Which is the easier to do option; Pull engine & transmission; pull transmission or just pull the engine?

How does anyone get the nose of the car high enough to remove anything from the bottom?
I already have bars to support the engine, from a subframe change but am not averse to getting a hoist and engine stand.
Just looking to save myself grief.

Kind of shocked that at 90K my engine needs such a repair.

Pull the engine using a cherry picker! Not that bad of a job!

Thanks, Michtom.
So, just the engine alone?
Any decent brands--or brands to avoid?

Yes, engine alone! Much easier if you don’t have a hoist. Otherwise you would remove the transmission to access! No suggestions for gaskets other than quality, as you don’t want to do the job again.

Thanks again!
I should have been clear, I was wondering which brands make good quality cherry pickers.

I have never heard of replacing the rear crankcase cover gasket.
Is that an unusual problem?
90K is nothing on these engines.
I just passed 150K on the 2001 and have 259K on the 2000.
Sorry to hear about this problem.

Been told it isn't uncommon.
Perhaps it tended to occur on some years and not others.
This one is a 2002 SSEI.

Anyone who has knowledge of which brands are/aren't good on the hydraulic engine cranes/cherry pickers or whatever name you prefer, I'd appreciate if you let me know.

I had a project car with that rear crankcase cover gasket leak, the coolant just poured out. With a lift, its easier to drop the trans out the bottom and fix it in the car, but if you only have a cherry picker, the engine out the top is the best way. I wouldn't worry about the brand, the 500lb engine is well within the specs for even the cheapest lifts.

I had hoped you'd reply, as you have the most experience in Bonneville repairs.
Thank you.
As for lifts, what brand do you recommend for home lifts?
I don't have a cherry picker or lift, yet.
Thanks again.

Harbor Freight or Northern Tool for the cherry picker would be fine.

The lift I have in my shop is an Eagle Lift, about 20 years old. The lift was here when I bought the building. I have no idea what I'd recommend for a home use situation.

Thanks again!