Definitely the way I think I should go. Thanks for the info.

Good idea.

Yessir, a part # would surely help. My local Chevy parts guy lacks in the parts finding skillset, lol.

 

I just dropped my trans in an hour and a half by myself on the ground yesterday. I have tried with tcase on and off and find it easier taking the tcase off. its a lot quicker to drop the tcase then to take the keys and bars out.
like mentioned don't forget that you have 2 bolts that will have 13mm holding the dipstick on and then another holding fuel lines I think it is. once you have those off you can get to the 15mm bolts. your bellhousing might take some convincing to separate from the block tho

 

I think this is the "kit" you guys are talking about?

DORMAN Part # 635518
$34.79 @ Rock Auto.

 

Removing the torsion bars is a lot of extra work plus you have to separate the transmission and t case at some point might as well do it in the car. secondly the allen headed torque converter bolts went away in 01 and there is a GM bulletin stating to replace them with a standard bolt I use to do a ton of them when I was at the dealer. the part number has changed a few times and I don't have the new number. As far as the rear main seal, housing and gasket buy GM. I would change the seal and gasket, do not see the need to replaced housing. I personally have never seen one leak on a LS motor.