help! CV joint repair question

[barwise@tuxedo.ENET.dec.com]

Although I don't have an official Audi, I own an 87 VW Quantum GL5 with
the *wonderful* 5 cyl. engine.  I'm going to try and pull the right-side
driveshaft to replace a deteriorated outer CV joint boot.  I read in one of
my Audi manuals that the front exhaust section should be removed to work
on the right side, presumably to provide some room to move the inner CV 
upward in order to then press the shaft out of the hub.  Looking at my
car, the exhaust appears to be only 2 inches above the inner joint.

My question is, have others on the list been successful removing the
right-side driveshaft without first removing that exhaust section?

Thanks,
rob