Conversation Between SkySkiJason and truck7575

i saw your name mentioned in a post as being really experienced at pulling a 7.3 out of an excursion. Let me give you a little background on my situation.. I have an 2003 X and I have a timing cover that needs to be replaced, the mating surface for the water pump has completely corroded away and i can no longer get it to seal. I realize this means the timing cover needs to be replaced.. I know this requires at minimum lifting the engine but to be done right i need to pull the engine. I have 315000K Miles and it runs great! I have rebuilt everything on top of the motor and now it looks like im gonna need to pull the motor, while out i was gonna swap in a reman motor and heads just cause the job is so big. My question to you is what all needs to come off of the top of the motor in order to pull it out if i remove the front of the truck. Any advice for this job, any pictures you may have? What all actually needs to come off of motor to get it out? Thanks Rick