Transmission Removal Question

[ursus]

I need to rebuild the transmission in my coupe but wish to leave the engine in place. Is it possible to disconnect the rear axle from the spring using a spring spreader, roll the axle back a bit without pulling it completely out from under the car, and then remove the transmission from the clutch housing?

If I roll the rear axle back to where the tires are just touching the rear fenders will I have enough clearance to disengage the U-joint from the drive shaft?