What I can say is that I have pulled the timing gear with the cradle completely out of the car. I got creative with a universal puller tool (harmonic balancer puller or steering wheel puller, the style with slotted holes
similar to this). Unfortunately I can’t remember exactly how I did it since it was over 4 years ago, but I think I used some bolts (I can’t remember if I used the holes in the gear as a pulling point or if I drilled and tapped the gear). I just wanted to give my $0.02 since I have done mine successfully without pulling the cam. Best of luck!
[This message has been edited by Fiero Ron (edited 03-09-2021).]