Re: Dropping the engine/rear sub frame
Literally just done this on mine a week ago.
I was debating the gear linkage too. in the end I unbolted the U shaped piece and hammered it through with a suitable punch (placing a jack under the rod so it wouldn't move, or break the pin). Once the front is free, the rear one was easier to remove as it could be rotated.
i was unsure about clearance to the front of the subframe from the tiebar, but as soon as i unbolted it from the chassis it moved away a good inch as it dropped. Just be aware all the weight is forward of the wheels, so support it.
I lifted the shell high enough at the rear to be able to wheel the subframe away from the car.
Hope that helps, engine rebuild is next on the cards for me
Steve