Thermostat replace without removing crossover

[03Alerosil]

Hey guys,
I have to do a coolant flush in my wife's 3.4 2005 Impala. Same engine set up as our Alero's. While doing it I am going to replace the thermostat cuz god only knows how long it's been in the engine for the last 160,000 miles.

Is there an easier way to change the thermostat? I did the one on my 3.4 Alero but I did it when I did my LIMG. Everything I have seen says you have to remove the exhaust crossover. Is there a way around doing that? I'm not scared to remove it, I just don't feel like breaking exhaust bolts.

I should also add I'm doing this as regular maintenance and the fact that the Dex-Cool in it is original and turning to sludge.