Alrighty...
cracked open the tranny today, as I unbolted the valve body the pump dropped out no problem at all, didn't have to pry anything.
1. finally the elusive tool arrives -clutch spring compressor-
2. the first opened knuckle of the project, I was unbolting the transfer case
front drive line cover to drain the 80-90 gear oil, and opened myself up to.
3. looking at the rear of the trans, at the output line.
4. looking at the valve body
5. looking closer at the valve body.