FWD 4EAT question

[tahiti350]

Okay, so the trans is actually bad in teh '92 FWD wagon I bought. Sounds like the pinion bearing is toast, SO I need some quick input on pulling a FWD trans. I know it will be less work than and AWD one, but here's my questions:

1. Should I just pull the motor and trans together, and if so, thru the top, or drop the subframe? If thru the bottom, then just like a rear wheel drive car, except for the axles, right?

2. I've got a line on a trans at one of the local yards, but the car shows 206k miles. They offer a 30 day warranty, so I'd only be out my time if it's bad, but what are the odds on it being good?

3. Anyone in Western Washington have a FWD trans in a parts car that they know is good? I'll trade parts from my AWD wagon parts car (no engine or trans) or just pay cash if the price is fair.

4. Probably a dumb question, but is it possible for an experienced mechanic with no automatic trans experience to replace the pinion shaft bearings? This thing only has 137K miles showing and shifts crisply, so I'd like to keep it if possible.

Thanks for any input (besides the obvious "your screwed"