If you do leave the transmission in the truck you can put a 2 x 4 across the cab bottom rails, side to side, and support it with a strap. That way you can move the truck around when the engine is out.
You will need the jack as mentioned above initially anyway to adjust the height when pulling the engine.
You will need to take the shift tower off, but it sounds like it may need work anyway from your shift problem description.
Make a cardboard cover for the tranny cause you know you will drop something in there if you leave it in the truck..
There will be about 1/2 quart residual oil in the dip tray so take the pan off with the engine upright, or be ready.....