I can tell you from the experience of swapping the trans on a 2004 Sunfire that those instructions are a good "outline". Several of the things don't really need to be done. My advice is that you only remove things that you find are in your way as you go. For example, the entire subframe doesn't need to be dropped. Irregardless of any instructions someone throws out there, the entire frame does not need to be dropped. How do I know this? On my Sunfire, the passenger side bolt that holds the subframe to the car (the one in the back that is near the rack and pinion) sheered off. Because of this, I couldn't drop the subframe. All of the driver's side bolts were removed and that game me enough wiggle room to get the trans out and back in with a little persuasion. The ball joints don't need to be disconnected. Do the tie rod ends and the strut bolts and there is enough room to get the axles out. If you are of average strength I recommend having two people when you put the trans back in. I found it difficult to try and move things around by myself.
Anyway, the point is, if you look at something and wonder why the instructions say you need to remove it, don't do it until you find that you need to do it.
