I have a 2000S and did my transaxle fluid change. I had it up on 4 jack stands, wheels off (was bleeding brakes or something) took off the diagonal sheet metal brace and the two long aluminum pieces that go with the diamond shaped sheet metal brace. I did not have to loosen or move the rear sway bar at all. Once everything was ready it was a 20-30 minute job to drain and fill the fluid. I do not recall having any trouble getting my sheet metal brace back on. I ha e heard with some folks it spreads and they have to get a winching strap to draw the sides back together.
If you added in jacking up the car on stands, removing the brace, dran and fill, put back together and lower the car, for me maybe 90 minutes or so. I am slow
