Rod bearings would leave metal debris in oil, so get a oil drain plug that is magnetic, when draining oil you will see metal particles on drain plug magnet.
You can also remove oil pan and rotate each cylinder to BDC and grasp rod cap, if ANY movement then rod bearings are bad, and the metal particles have most likely cause other bearing damage or clogged up oil passages.
As far as engine removal, it is generally easier to remove the entire powertrain from under car (including cradle), than remove from above.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 AT 6:50 AM