Looking for some help/advice

I bought my first car a couple months ago, an '85 2.3L mustang with an automatic transmission. The transmission slowly died over the months, and is pretty much useless now. I'm trying to remove it, so I can install a nice 4 speed manual, but I'm unsure how to go about this. I have all the proper tools, I'm pretty sure, but some of the bolts are on top of the tranny, and I can't reach them. I'm looking for anything to help make the job easier. I apologize if I sound like an idiot.
Second question. I bought another mustang. This time a run down '83 2.3L for $300. The fuel filter broke off inside the carburater. Just the threaded bolt part. I was wondering if there was any way I could remove it, because the carburater looks like it's in pretty good condition. There isn't much to get a hold of, it's pretty much flush with the fuel intake part of the carburater. I'm hoping I don't have to get a new one.

Thanks, that's exactly what I've been looking for.
I have another problem now. I had to replace the intake manifold, and when I removed all the wiring and tubes from the carburater, I forgot where they went. I figured I could use the '85's as an example, but they're different. Outside of getting the official repair manual (which is checked out or lost at the local libraries) is there anyplace I can go to get a diagram? I have most of them in place, but the car runs strangely now, and stalls anytime I try to engage a gear. I thought I'd enjoy working on them, but they're just frustrating me.
btw, I mananged to get the fuel filter threads out of the carburater.

Thanks again. I picked up a copy of Hayness, and am in the process of taking changing the transmission. I'm scraping the '83 and using it for parts, I think the carburater is beyond my ability to repair. If I have any future questions, I'll know where to come.