I didn't notice this was on an ERA - yes, the trans comes out from the top and it is heavy (90+ lbs I believe). The dowels to slide the transmission on are an excellent suggestion as they will help prevent the weight of the transmission from hanging on the clutch disc hub and bending it (causing more chatter and shudder). I used an engine hoist to install my transmission but that was kind of a chore to as it goes in well under the dash cowl lip. I had to rig up a lift beam to hang off the engine hoist with the transmission strapped to the forward end of it so I could slide it under the dash cowl and into the clutch.
Using the dowels, it is probably easier to fit a good piece of plywood across the frame and carpet under the transmission - after raising it slightly with a jack and removing the transmission mount - and slide it back on to the plywood with the dowels. They lug it over to the door sill so you can lift it out.
If you're a 250 lb gym rat lifting lots of weight every week - forget all that and just reach over and pluck it out.
