Advice on sprocket replacement?

[Inhouse Bob]

I'm doing lots of maintenance on the bike and want to replace the chain and sprockets. The chain and back sprocket are sort of clear, but the front is a mystery. My service manual is no help. It shows how to reassemble everything but has nothing on how to take it all apart. I tried turning the book upside down but that didn't help much. 
So, do I have to disassemble the clutch hydraulics to remove the plate covering the front sprocket? I feel like if I remove those assorted bolts holding the plate in place, all my clutch juice will spill out on the ground.
Has anyone done this surgery and can give me a rough tutorial?
Thanks in advance!