This last weekend I finally decided to go ahead and split the tractor. I've known I had to do it because I have to pull the crank to get it turned.
After removing the frame rails and bolster I hooked up my cherry picker and removed the 2 upper clutch housing bolts. Then I climbed underneath and dropped the lift all and clutch.
I found out that I didn't need to remove the clutch or lift all to split the tractor. The way I figure it I wasted a few hours removing stuff I didn't need to.
I've been wanting to replace the seals in the front of the transmission and the liftall and I guess now's the time to do it so I won't feel too dumb for doing unnecessary work.
Maybe I should have read my I&T manual, huh?
Oh well we live and we learn.

I think you'll find it easier to put the engine back on if the clutch is removed. I put the engine back in my M one time with the clutch still in the tractor and ended up warping the clutch plate - had to replace it.

Well, just mark it up as educational,we all learn more if we go the long route,eh? By the way... could a guy remove each rail, one at a time to clean them up and paint inside them? what do you think? I've got the big casting off of the front of the M and the tractor is on a stand, ( the engine stays on)I'm thinking about putting blocks under the transmission before I do this and I've been putting it off for lack of knowledge...

A few months ago I removed the side rails on my H one at a time for sand blasting and painting.
I'm sure now that you could remove both at the same time if you support the tractor under the flywheel housing. I use blocks of wood, 6"x8"x36" and a 2x4 to support mine and make sure the wheels are blocked.

As I understand what you are saying, you only have to remove the front two motor mounts to remove the side rails. The steering/radiator support casting is removed? If so, you should be able to remove both rails as the engine to clutch housing bolts will certainly support the engine.

Zonie and Andy,Thanks so much! both rails are off and oil pan bolts removed(a few at a time,cleaned and reinstalled) this will make it look good when I get it painted, soon my Dad hopes... he refuses to help...

Yes, I removed the front casting to clean it up for painting,it comes off easily with an engine crane,enough dirt in there to grow potatoes!Just was not sure about taking the rails off, looks cruddy in there too.I might get to that today,thank you guys!