I think it depends on how tight the limiters are to begin with. I find it much easier to loosen the limiters to pull the shock out. Not hard at all to do - loose limiters give you much more play to pull the shock out easily.
i would note where your limiter straps are.... then loosen limiter straps till shock extends to full travel (with back end of sled lifted off the ground) . you should be able to rattle the shock a little. this will assure you don't have any extension left for when you remove the bolts.. and it should remove quite easily.
Then the rebuilt or replaced( fully extended) shock should then install easily with bolt holes lining right up.