I've done it. maybe 3 or 4 times in the past 25 years.
And for the exact same reason as well - the 4wd Durango/Dakotas trucks that are one of the toughest trans to get out.
The way I look at it, if the trans is solid and theres no issues with the ft drum why pull the trans. It's less headache and saves the customer money.

That said, to get it in I think you have to hold your mouth right and it will go.