Remove and install new transmission 904 auto

So removing the center link is not usually necessary? My 72 Duster with 360 and headers has about a half-inch gap between the top of the center link and the oil pan, so I can't tilt the engine very far. But it doesn't look like the engine has to tilt much to get the inch or two of backward trans movement for the converter snout and dowel pins to clear. Does that sound right, or should I plan on pulling the center link?