Depends on which 8 3/4 you have, the "489" (last 3 digits of the casting number) case uses a crush sleeve and you will have to put the pinion nut back exactly where it was to maintain pinion bearing preload.
If you have a "742" or "741"case you wont have to worry about re setting preload, these dont use the crush sleeve, just torque the nut back to spec.
Gear lash wont be affected by removing the yoke, just bearing preload on the 489 case.