Believe it or not : the procedure described in the 1941 Truck Shop Manual describes disconnecting the torque-tube and rear-end from all "attachments" and then sliding/rolling back the torque-tube and rear-end.

Do your "repairs/replacements" and then slide the assembly back into its "normal/natural" place.

I have done this. It is OK as long as you have the gumption, tools, jacks, stands, and space.