Id remove them completely too...
Do what 'Willy Lover' said, then....undo the hub/shaft bolts on the hubs, 30mm. Then undo the shock bolts and pull the hub towards yourself. You'l be able to get the driveshafts out then.
Although, you might have it a bit more complicated than a 172, due to you having a bearing on the back of the engine block supporting the driveshaft, could do with undoing the bolts for that to get the shaft completely off.
Some 172s and most 182s have it...
The driveshaft is two piece....comes off the box to this bearing in a straight line, then off to the hub. Bolts onto the 3 holes on the back of the block, not got a pic to hand unfortunately!