Ok, I've started taking appart the rear end to install a new front differential mount. I've already downloaded the section in the factory manual to give me a little info not that it was that useful.

I already read in another post about issues with the cross member breaking so I'm going to reinforce the welds on that while I have it out.

I'm at a point where all I have to do is remove the eccentric bolts on the control arms and the two cross member bushings and the whole thing will drop out. My question is the factory manual says to remove the exhaust and the tires, will I be able to get the cross member out with the exhaust intact? Also are the control arms and brake assembly going to drop out of the car when I do this? Nothing is said about removing the struts or brake lines.

I don't want to drop the exhaust because a previous owner had a new cat installed and when they did the shop welded the entire exhaust together so in order for me to get it out it will have to be removed from the exhaust manifold back which means I'll probably end up putting in a new exhaust sooner than expected.