[RawhideKid]

From what I have read, if it is already unhooked from the rear end, as long as the center bolt is still intact, you should be fine removing it from the chassis.

If it was me, I would place a C-clamp on either side of center just to be on the safe side before you remove it. It is still under tension even without being attached to the rear end.

My wooden nickle worth.