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Dropping the tank really isn't terrible on a lot of cars, you just need an empty tank to do it and another pair ar hands is helpful but not 100% needed. Unless your tank is above your exhaust, you should be able to pull the straps and drop it down. Just make sure you have a jack and a flashlight to do it the "right" way. Keep the jack under the tank while you unbolt the straps and then slowly lower the tank while looking with a flashlight at hoses and wires to make sure you arent letting the tank hang-up on any of them. Some tanks have the clip for the wires for the sending unit and pump underneath the rear seat so check there first to make your life easier.
If you don't want to tackle the problem yourself, I wouldn't go to the dealer. Price shop around for the best price from your local mechanics and you will pay probably close to half what the dealer will charge you.
Swapping an auto to a manual is a PITA, I did it once. Putting the trans and shifter in was cake, making sure the clutch pedal was going in the right place and actually mounting it on the firewall was a nightmare.
To make your auto shift when you want, you need a fully manual valve body. You can probably change the pre-programmed shift points with a computer, but the car will still shift at those new points by itself.
Your stock gears are 3.27 in the rear of that car and your rear is a 7.5" just incase you wanted to look into swapping in some 2.73's or something like that.
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