Its not that hard to get the Compressor out. Basically move the P/S pump and altenator out of the way. The problem is that your dealling with a system that may still contain freon. If its not empty it will shoot out as soon as you remove the lines and take it from me freon and oil in the eyes isn't much fun. Other than that its easy.

I also recomend changing the dryer. If the compressor let any metal into the system thats gonna catch it so since the system is open i would do that to.