Exhaust pipe removal

I need to remove the front (bottom) exhaust pipe so I can adjust the travel of the rear brake lever (found a good post for this part)...however, removing the exhaust pipe seems a bit daunting of a task. Is there any easy way to take off the pipe(s)? Also, I guess I need to buy new crush washers? It really looks like it is going to be a bitch to tighten them back up, especially the bottom nuts, even if I do get them off. Any advice?