Final Drive Unit change from parts car.

I am about to take the more reasonable ratio final drive unit from a donor 240D and replace the mountain gears in my driver 240D.

Can I disconnect the axles from the hubs and remove the final drive unit with the axles attached?

Alternatievely, can I leave them attached to the hubs and collapse them sufficiently to remove and replace the final drive unit?

Thanks for any experience anyone may offer.