I�m not sure from your post what it is you are trying to do, but if can I assume from the mileage that it is the clutch, then why don�t you pull the motor and leave the MTX where it is?
Unless you have a lift, it is always easer to pull the motor then the tranny on FWD Fords.
Getting back to you axle/side gear issue. I had an 86 Tempo MT5. The procedure was the same (warning about dislodging the side gear). I had the axles out and even pulled the tranny without ever dropping a gear. I would check with a quality repair manual like motors (go to your library) for more info. Chiltons and Haynes manuals contain many procedural mistakes.
jeff
