My pan is deep and it's not a problem.
I use an engine leveler on the hoist(can tilt forward and backwards). I also have an old driveshaft yoke I put in the tailshaft and secure, so there's no mess.
Yup thats how I do it too! Helps I found is if you get the car up on jack stands also, than you have plenty of room to swing that tail shaft down. I will have to try your yoke idea. I ussually put the platic plug that was on when I got my tranny than wrap it with plastic bags and duck tape it. Saves the floor from getting messed up but sure greases up the tail shaft.
If you guys are running deep sump pans how are you dealing with the drop link situation? Also by deep sump do you mean like a truck style oil pan or does someone make a center deep sump for cars?