1964 a833 hard to get into first gear

lol is there a step by step write up? because man on all my four speeds i pull them out with the engine and put them back in with the engine.
I don't know of one. I just get under there and do it. I'll pull a transmission by itself, but if I pull an engine, I pull both. It's just easier "for me". I wonder if you have the incorrect oil pan? That could hit the center link before there's room enough to get the transmission out.