Yes, take the fairing off. It's no big deal. And the job will be much easier. I'd rather remove the fairing 20 times before having to remover the gas tank once

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And pay attention to how the oil seals are oriented when removing them. You don't want to do the job twice because you put those seals in upside down

. Been there. The beveled edge on the oil seal will face outwards. The square edge gets pressed into the leg. And yes. Replace the slider bushings and guide bushings. The seals are sold in pairs....1 oil seal and 1 dust seal per package.