I ended up doing this job aboy 3-4 weeks ago. I typed up a detailed rply on this site but when I submitted it I guess my login had timed out or something. It said I needed to login even though it said "Welcome slb04786" in the upper right hand corner. After logging in it said my reply coudn't be posted because I had logged in and to click on the back button to go back. Doing that took me to a blank reply. I had spent about an hour explaining what i had done and it was all gone. Should have used the copy function first I guess. I was so disappointed I didn't feel like retyping all that again.
Basically, yes you need to loosen the exhaust crossover pipe. I only loosened it on one side as I couldnt get to the backside. All but 1-2 of the coolant crossover bolts will come out with the exhaust pipe there. i used a prybar to move the pipe just enough to allow the other 2 bolts to come out. It only need to move 1/4-3/8 inch. I'll try this reply and hopefully it will go through.
Stan