Possible to remove crank while engine in car (Jetta)?

[Buji88]

Hey guys,

I'm usually over in the IDI section, building a Suzuki Sidekick with a 1.9 AAZ. My local wrecking yard has a 98 Jetta with a 1.9 ALH in it. Has anyone ever pulled the crank while in the car? Is it possible without removing the timing gear from the crank? I'm 90% sure I can get the flywheel off, but I'm not so sure I could get the timing gear off with the way they put the car on stands. Its annoyling is high enough that I couldn't jam anything in there and the transmission is gone. Thanks for any advice!