It's easier to pull from mag side, as you use the stator / sprocket fixings as your pull points.
Roger.. all those backing plates are there to hold bearings in place - pay particular attention to lengths of those screws.
NB don't forget to remove screws that hold shift drum .... put a zip tie around the pawls to stop spring and plunger going west on you prior to removal
In general they are a very simple compared to a Rm M / S motor.