How do you pull a van's engine?

These sound like core motors, not something you plan to run again as they are. If you dont mind tearing the motor down partly, assuming these are going to be stored dry - I'd pull the top of the motor off - meaning the heads, exhaust and intake, then you'll have lots more room to yank it out. After its out you can oil the heck out the cylinders and plop the heads and intake back on and run the bolts down snug. Just a thought...