Series 1 knee removal w/ minimal other effort?

I purchased a machine with the knee-column gib removed, because the gib was broken in the classic spot, adjusting screw groove. I have directions for fixing that, but my question is in regards to cleaning.
There are years of chips/storage dust/etc in the gib hole that I'm having a hard time removing, and also probably some in the ways. The machine sat with this gib removed for years.

I'd like to think I could remove the knee (just enough for 100% cleaning) with a simple method
-rotate ram
-remove Z axis travel limiter (is it the large pin I see between the column dovetail?)
-disconnect oil lines
-raise knee to top of travel with manual feed
- lift knee off dovetail using overhead gantry/fork truck

I have searched, and it seems most people remove the table first, and usually only do this as part of a complete teardown. I'd rather not get into that, if possible to take a shortcut.

Or, is there a good way to clean? I haven't tried compressed air yet, for fear it will dislodge more chips and possibly relocate them to worse places, do more harm than good.

The machine has X and Y prototrak MX2 if that matters.

Thanks!