Installing clutch master cylinder into firewall and getting TH400 out

[cwest]

My goal is to do a TH400 to SM465 swap in my 86' K20 4X4.  I finally got the hydro clutch pedal assembly in and everything back together correctly (with a lot of help from the forum BTW).  My next step is to install the clutch master cylinder and start the process of getting the TH400 out. 
The support rods from the pedal assembly that connect the CMC to the firewall..  Should I just drill the holes where they land or actually try to line them up with the dimples in the firewall.  I think I've found the correct indentations but the rods don't line up exactly with them.  I guess what I'm driving at; is the firewall of equal strength throughout or stronger where the dimples are as to increase support for the CMC?
Also, is there a tried n true step by step method for getting TH400's out of these trucks?  My thoughts were to rent a tranny jack, put it in place, get the cross member out of the way, and just start disconnecting and disassembling until the transfer case and tranny are free from the engine and can be lowered with the jack.  Does that sound intelligent enough or do I need to be more regimented about it? 
     

[csdineley]

I did this same swap last year (But mine is a 2wd). For the CMC I think I got it pretty much on the dimples. Drilled the holes for the support rods. Then a hole saw for the CMC rod to go through.As for dropping the th400. All I used was a normal floor jack and a piece of wood between the jack and the trans pan. Unhook everything then just lower it down. It's pretty easy. The harder part is getting the sm465 back up in there. It's heavy and there isn't a nice flat spot on it to get the jack on.  Good Luck.

[Captkaos]

I would use the dimples as a guide.  That is what they are there for.
As for the trans, I have never had luck at pulling them out with a lift without having another set of hands.  If you pull the transfer case it would help with the trans jack but it would make a mess too...
Of course most of mine were removing out of 2wd and it was a Muncie M22 that I put on my chest....  or a sm465 that I cherry picked up into the truck from the trans tunnel.

[cwest]

I got the Clutch Master Cylinder in okay.  Good idea on the hole saw, it cut through the firewall like butter.  It's confusing driving an automatic with three pedals:)  Thanks for the good info so far, gents, I'll let you know if I hit a snag pulling the trans.