You can do it both ways. Whatever, you will
have to remove the feedrod/leadscrew end bearing support housing(tailstock end). If you have the reverse/leadscrew control rod, things are alittle more tricky,if not, both
the leadscrew and the feed rod will slip out of their rear bearings. Both rods are taper
pinned to spigots at the gearbox. Freeing these,I don't see why you couldn't pull them through and out from the carriage. You could slide the carriage down and off the end of the ways, but you better have a small crane or a work party handy. That carriage complete is a heavy hunk'0 iron. I will give you some more details of this procedure if you need it. Daryl