Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Should I rip off a layer?

I will soon be putting in new laminate tile floors in my kitchen. Today, I took out my dropin stove for replacement with a freestanding model. Under the drop in was bare plywood about 3/8 - 1/2" lower than the rest of the floor. Reason being, there is an old layer of vinyl another thin (1/4 or 3/8") layer of plywood followed by the current layer of vinyl. My question is whether I should rip up a layer of flooring, the current vinyl plus the thin plywood, before putting down the new laminate flooring. I was thinking it may save me from notching door casings, shaving door bottoms, and modifying my cabinets over the fridge to accomodate the new higher floors. How hard is it to rip up plywood like this and what's the right tool? I figured a crowbar and some brawn???

thanks!

crowbar and brawn will work, plus a saw to cut slots to make it easier, as long as the vinyl is not prior 80's.