FC3S Murray's never ending build.

[vex]

Honestly I think your worries are unfounded with pulling the stat gear. If I were in your shoes I would probably just leave it in and have persons keeping in eye on the engine while you take off the rear. If you're still unsure about it you can always pull the stat gear and go from there. I would honestly be more concerned of moving the stat gear first because you already have the eccentric shaft there to help guide it straight up. If you have everything already torqued down and not shifting I would just let the eccentric shaft and gear guide you up and out without nudging anything.

Just my thoughts though. But then again, I would just strip the entire engine down and rebuild... but you do what you gotta do.