Engine swap, reusing existing axles

Hey all,
Am going to be doing a Civic D series engine swap. Will be reusing the (nearly new) existing axle assemblies in the 'target car' and not the axles from the engine 'donor car'. That in mind, I've seen it illustrated in a manual (somewhere) that the axle assemblies were apparently left attached at the wheels and the engine was still able to be removed, and of course reinstalled. Is this true ? If 'yes' how is sufficient play obtained to extract the splined shaft from the transmission while its still attached at the other (wheel) end ? Assuming this is doable, is it worth what looks like extra hassle (working around these half shafts while still constrained at one end...) -is it worth it to NOT break the shafts loose at the wheels and simply get them out of the way entirely during the swap ?

Thanks
Greg

ive seen that method done also, but only in magazines too. without unbolting the hub assembly from the control arms, i cant see of a way to get that much play either. its prolly a whole lot easier to just remove them and not to cuase any damage.