Can you remove the heat shield and get at the 2 main pivot bolts for the Parking Brake cable(s), just after their turn-buckle and pull the entire single cable thru the underside without removing or cutting the exhaust system. i.e. Do you need or can you use a universal with a socket to get it out? Anyone with experience in replacing the parking / emergency brake cable?

 

The exhaust can stay on. I don't have a stock exhaust, but I had no real issues replacing my brake cables. Some of the heat shield bolts broke so I never put them back. You may want to pop off the rubber exhaust hangers and let the pipes hang for a bit more wiggle room.