If I have to leave the tranny in place like in a 4x4, always leave your torque converter on the tranny or put it on before you drop in the engine. And make sure to turn the TC and make sure it is all the way on. If it is all the way on you should not be able to put your fingers between the tranny and the TC. Makes life SO much easier.
I try to pull them together in a 2WD. remove all your accesories and distributor and all that is left is 4 bolts, 2 in the cross member and 2 motor mount bolts. Stratigically place a log chain and your out.
There is my 2 cents,
Brad
ps: to keep from making messes drain the tranny and engine of all fluids before removal