Chris,
To remove the turret is a grand way of gaining more access and air while working on a Ferret.
Also, remove the side bin and the spare wheel to increase access. Best way with those two is a wide plank and a trolley jack and a 3 people. One inside to pull the release handle and the other two outside to manipulate the jack and the bin or wheel.
The spare wheel is a heavy one and it can get away from you if you are not careful.
Having an inside and an outside person works well on Ferret tasks, small body goes inside
The turret is around 1/2 ton plus a smidge. I would advise against thinking of a shop engine crane as you wont have enough height or capacity. Get a set of chain falls and do it under something that will bear the weight adequately.
The turret base plate is usually found to have been set in place with a very gooey mastic / tar sealant. When you go to lift it will seem as if you still have bolts in place. Take a couple of long stout pry bars and work under an edge and it will come off ok.
I have some picture over on HMVF of us working inside. here is a link to one part of what we were doing
http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread...t-Pack-removal
I would suggest joining HMVF as there are more people over there who will offer sage advice, fewer people with Ferret experience over here.
There is I understand an active Ferret Facebook group but I don't do social insincerity groups yet
We have two at work and I own two myself.
What else do you want to know?
R