I got the chain off without pulling the crank gear. Chains way easier than top end.

 

Aligning everything is super easy too. Make sure the exhaust side is tight an the marking is flush with the head and then make sure you are 32 pins out from the mark on the exhaust all the way to the intake cam mark. Just peruse over the service manual a couple days to get a good idea.

 

Did you pull the oil pump out to get the chain off?

 

Yes, came rig off with three screws. Make sure you use a good stout screw driven or even a ratchet with a Phillips bit. Lots of pressure and torque needed.