Its so much easier to get the engine out from the top if you remove as much as you can from the back first - but the clutch itself can stay - it doesn't take that much space. I also like to remove as much from the engine as possible - intake, heads, etc. The less weight you have to deal with the better. Also, get the chain on the hoist as short as possible - that thing has to go pretty high to get the motor over the rad support and keep in mind the front suspension will unload as you remove the weight.