the timing cover does go into IP gear housing and has a notch. so make sure you pry from the bottom, where all the silicon is holding it to the pan.
it can be done, but id rather pull the gear housing and reseal that too.
theres no gasket, and youre relying on silicon for it to seal properly.
thats why i pull it.
also, when reinstalling with the housing on, all that silicon you put on the pan lip, you will be pushing the timing gear cover into the silicon sideways, pushing that nice bead inwards. rather than pressing down between the 2 surfaces it seals to.
remember your alignment pins are on either side...
thats why i pull it.
theres never enough time to do the job right, but theres always time to do it over
P.S. the last time i didnt pull it, i had to build 2 6 door trucks