1999 Sable Transmission question

I have a 1999 Sable vin#1mefm53s5xa611203. The tranny makes a rattling noise from within the alumn. Cover right by the frame rail, kinda by the starter. My Haynes book says I'd have to drop the motor and tranny as one unit, but when I had a tranny shop look at it they made a remark about just dropping the tranny by its self?

Its a slight noise that last only about 2-3 seconds at cold start-up. It will do it when shifting from 1st to 2nd for about 1 second, but when warm its nolonger herd. No slipping or odd shifting at this point. I was told this was an odd year for this tranny and only 1999 year's will work?

So I have 2 questions I guess, if I drop the tranny do I do it by its self or with the motor? And are there any other repair books that have more details than Chilton or Haynes?

Im new here and the site looks very nice.
Thanks, Hotdog