Pull the rotor. You won't be sorry in the long run.It might even make the total job go faster without it in the way. I don't know how a person can get all the holes aligned and bolts in with the rotor in the way. Besides it gives a good chance to examine the rotor and bars out in the open,and while you're at it,you can crawl up in the cage and get a good look at the vanes. Penny wise,but pound foolish to leave the rotor in. I had an IH mech. with a forklift help me swap rotors;he had the feeder house off,and the rotor out in just over an hour.Going back in takes a little more time to get things lined up.Good luck.