[ChevLoRay]

It can't be done without pulling the transmission. The clutch release bearing, aka throw-out bearing, slides on the pilot shaft of the transmission. But, you already knew that. The only "quickie" part of it that I can think of, is not replacing the clutch disc and pressure plate. So, in my opinion, there isn't an "easy" way to do the job. Sorry.

After reading the other replies, one thing to suggest: Get a couple of bolts about 5-6 inches long, with the correct thread for the "transmission to bell housing" bolts. Cut the heads off of them, and smooth them up so there are no sharp edges on them. With these long headless bolts in place, you can hang the transmission on them, and slide it into place. It makes inserting the pilot shaft into the pilot bushing much easier, when you're laying on your back, holding up the gearbox. Then, install the bottom bolts, and replace the uppers, one at a time. Just be sure that you don't tighten them up too much. Without a head on them, they can be difficult to undo, if you did.

I once had, okay my first car was, a '54 Ford. It had a "new" clutch and pressure plate when I bought it. Nice words to hear when you're 16. However, after about three months of ownership, I was having trouble getting it into gear, unless I put it in gear and then started it. "Someone" said the throwout bearing was going bad. It had a squeal when you pressed on the pedal and that was the clue. So, after I had left town on New Year's Eve, drove about a hundred miles to go deer hunting on New Years' Day, 1965.....while the Arkansas Razorbacks were playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the National Title in the Cotton Bowl.....my throwout bearing was only getting worse. An adult, whom we thought was knowledgeable, suggested something be placed between the rod and the arm, to "push a little harder" on the bearing, as in more leverage or more travel. Bad move. Do not repeat that action. The increased travel only served to break the rivets that held the arm in place at the fulcrum inside the bell housing. With the fulcrum now broken loose, the clutch was obligated to remain fully engaged at all times. Whew!! It's a good thing I had practiced shifting without a clutch....youth does wonders for our abilities, don't it?? Only thing: I hadn't practiced driving in towns with stop lights and railroad crossings, without using the clutch. But, we made it back home and got the car fixed. Dang!! It cost me $25, in 1964, to get a new bearing and the labor to fix the broken part.

Bottom line? Don't replace the clutch and pressure plate without also replacing the throwout bearing.