Sorry for not updating, David, it`s exactly what i did, i undid the 4 lower and 2 uppers by about 1/2". I then raised the car on 2 trolley jacks on the front jacking points (eaqually with an assistant), then tilted the subframe up at the front with a third jack. It gave me the required gap to remove and replace with a refurbished (thanks Tim) unit. What a difference it`s made. First to second can now be achieved in total confidence and up and down shifts are not guess work anymore.
Simon