Hi,
If its the 2.7TD, last time i took my engine out, i left the gearbox in place, just took the drives side (i think it was) of the front axle off (from the diff housing, i just took the axle tube and the drive shaft out). Gives you enough room to pull the engine out. If i remember rightly, there isnt enough clearance to get the sump down, to get to the pick up pipe.
Mike