Skid plate need to be removed to swap t case?

I had to weld my skid plate to the frame at one of the bolt holes, because one of the holes was rusted out and bolt wouldn't thread. So my question is do I need to remove the skid plate in order to swap out transfer cases? I really hope I don't have to cut the weld and remove it then re weld it back :/

Skid plate need to be removed to swap t case?