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i was trying to get mine off using a big bar and the back suspension was squating down when i put some elbow grease into it...

although yes a sudden crack will be less strenuous.

yeh the sump will have to come down a bit and that means taking off the starter motor too (well i do anyway).

probable best to drain oil aswell because you'll most likely get water and gasket in the sump when you take the cover off.