There is no reason to remove the exhaust. I have the 3" MBRP system and I was able to push the cradle down far enough to get the spring out. It really doesn't require removing exhaust when done correctly.I installed the springs yesterday and when I installed the rear ones, I removed the rear exhaust hanger because the factory exhaust was blocking the rear sway bar and I couldn't lower the cradle enough to take the factory springs out. With the exhaust hanging there freely, took out the factory springs was like a breeze.