Replacing throwout bearing

Hi All, throw out bearing is sqeeking a lot, so I guess I'm going to break down and replace it along with the clutch. I have 120000 miles on my 2000. It is a full stock V6 and I'm wondering if I can get the bell housing off without taking off the exaust. It looks tight, but do-able and yet everything I read says to pull it "if" the exuast is in the way. So is it in the way? I would really rather not have to mess with the exaust.

I am open to any other secrets to replacing the clutch in a V6 Stang if you have any.

Thanks

2000 White Vert