03 Altima engine noise

[decherdtech]

Hey everybody, this is my first time posting. I need a little advice. I own a 2003 3.5L Altima SE. The engine has 162000 miles on it . About 2 months ago it started to knock at start up. It would only last for about 3 seconds but now it seems to be getting worse and I can faintly hear it all the time. I think it's time for some new bearings. The problem I have is pulling the engine. According to Nissan, Haynes and Chilton the engine has to come out the bottom with the subframe. I don't have a lift so it would be hard for me to raise the car high enough. After looking at it I beleive that I can pull it from the top if I remove the front clip. Has anyone attempted this before? I would like to have some verification that this can be done before I try it. Thanks for any input.