You need to support the rear of the engine when you pull the trans. The engine mounts could be damaged if you don't. Also get a clutch alignment tool at the auto parts store. They're cheap but indispensable. Without one you're guessing at getting the splines in line so the trans will slip back in. Also get a motors manual. They're in the $25 range and will help you tremendously. Change the pilot and throwout bearings as well as the clutch. The trans has to come out for all of them and you don't want to do it more than once. To remove the pilot bearing, fill it with grease then insert aa socket extension drive in the middle of it and whack it with a hammer. compressing the grease that way will force the pilot bearing out slick as can be.

You need a trans jack and a good back. Those other things stay put while you work on top. This is removed from under neath but the engine will stay put while you remove the trans from below. You might need long, I mean long extensions to get the top bolts of the trans. Have done small trans axles in the garage. It is doable. Try to clean the flywheel surface if you can.

It's not a simple job. You will need a clutch alignment tool, among other things.

If Ray Charles were alive he could change a clutch in any rear wheel drive vehicle.

I've replaced head cams/gaskets but I've never worked on transmissions. Would it be much harder to replace a clutch? If there is a manual available I'm pretty sure I can do it. I have a 2004 Ford Ranger 2.3 5 speed