Harley, from my experience the rear tire doesn't have to come off to do it. But I will tell you that I've taken shocks out of Warriors about 10 times now, and I'll never do it again with the tire still on. With the tire off, you can just pull the shock and dog bones straight out the rear of the bike.
“Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness.”