Why are you pulling the tranny? I think I'm reading you were just needed to get the new cable in and possibly a shift fork? While tough, those two things can be done thru the inspection hole and the use of curse words. Now if you are replacing the bearing, it has to come out. If you are pulling it, be SURE to replace the pilot bushing in the flywheel. That's usually a 'change it out cuz your in there' part and its super cheap. And if your pulling it, well, check the seal at the input bearing. And how's those synchros, and #2 gear........etc.

J/K (sort of), but I would at least change that pilot bearing if it isn't new already.