Anyone know a easy way to remove the timing cover on a GM 3100 sfi(L82 M code)?

So the timing cover started leaking coolant just above the belt tensioner pulley(yes, these particular motors do habe coolant flowing through the timing cover, it’s a two section cover that includes the water pump housing. And no it isn’t a Lower Intake Manifold gasket leak, the seals are bone dry it’s leaking just above the belt tensioner I’ve double checked multiple times, even used if dye, not a hint of coolant around the gasket or etc seal). The easiest solution I’ve found is to disconnect the passenger side fender cover, pull the wheel, brake assembly disconnect the belt, and a/c compressor, tensioner pulley and start removing it like that though I’ve heard some people claim the oil pan needs to be removed which adds more cost, more gaskets to replace and requires me to hoist the motor to get access to all of the oil pan bolts. As well as disconnect the passenger side steering assembly(the rod end and so forth) is that possible to do like that? Is the oil pan removal neccisary? And is there potentially an easier way than That? I don’t have a hoist and will being doing this in my condo parking lot so don’t really have space to hoist it even if I had one.