Any tips on pulling motor and trans together

you dont have to remove the center link,or the starter

True....I never have. We call it the drag link. Don't forget to disconnect the speedo cable and miscellaneous ground straps at the firewall (I always seem to forget to disconnect one) Also, it's nice to have an extra yoke to slide in the back of the trans (and safety wire it in) to make sure no oil comes out. I hate that.