water trick to get primary off, piece of ready rod with 2 pieces of flat stock and 2x 1/2 deep sockets to push down the spring to remove the retainer clip that holds the helix on. that's it that's all folks. Then its easy breezy after that.
I use a milwalkee hammer/ regular drill. In 3' of ice you will get about 15 holes per 5.0 battery. after 5-7 holes you have to give the drill a rest or it will overheat. Burnt 1 down doing 15 holes with out stopping. this is with a strikemaster 8" auger attachment. works pretty good but...
If floor to ceiling thats a good way to go you could always cut around the cabinet so you can get the return to the floor and then just schluter to the bottom of the cabinet and then the same on top. or sometimes its easier to just continue behind the toilet and up to make thing work.
generally you want a return to the floor in tile on both sides. Especially if your using a curtain. The water will trace down the edge of the tub and rot the wall board in no time. A good tile setter will spit the difference from the middle of the wall so your salvage cuts will be equal. A re...