2.5 V6 starter removal

trying to get the starter out of my 96 Sebring, 2.5 v6.
Looking for any tricks / tips--the starter is buried under the front exhaust tube.

My main question is, on the front exhaust tube... it passes the starter and its joins another tube but theres a big braided type coupler.

Can the front pipe be separated from the coupler ?? ive been gently prying on it and so far it wont budge.
Or is it 1 piece?
Ive got the front 2 ex manifold nuts off, so im getting close.. i just need to drop the front tube down to get to the starter.

Or does the entire %#$^N exhaust need to be removed ??

Theres got to be an easier way !

I haven't done one of those yet but if it's anything like the Concorde and Intrepids with the 3.5 it's not a picnic at all.

I got it---i just had bad instructions.

Fairly easy !

The trick is, remove the front 2 pipe nuts on the ex manifold, and use a pry bar. Gently pry the ex pipe down about 1 inch and the starter slides right out.

Definately one of the easier starter jobs ive done !