Considering that it would conservatively take you 30 minutes to remove it, why risk it? A new part isn't cheap, and one slip of the block could crush it, costing you $300. Just pull it out to be safe.
Curious, why are you pulling the engine? Yes pull your radiator and if you are much over 100,000 miles consider replacing that radiator cause it is most likely 1/2 plugged if it is original.
I managed to do mine without pulling the rad. I did put a piece of plyboard in from incase the engine swung into it. If i were to do it again i would pull the rad. It was not easy getting it in an out with the rad in place.
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