i don't think anybody removes the baffle when they clean/paint there's. i didn't. and i'm almost positive you're only supposed to powder coat the outside, so it shouldn't matter. just use some good degreaser(ie. simple green or purple power) and scrub it real well. if not powder coating, make sure you rough up the outside w/ sandpaper real well then wipe it down w/ acetone so the paint will stick.

maybe someone else has more info on removing the baffle and will chime in.

87 22R PU, 2? body lift, 33? BFG muds, 4.88's, F&R Lock-Rights, Rancho Shocks, EB's Street RV Head w/ 268 Cam, LCE Header, 2" to 2 1/4" exhaust, Flowmaster 50 series, Magnaflow high flow cat, complete Herculined SR5 interior, V6 BB, MC, and calipers.