A quick tip....pick up an exhaust hanger removal tool. I can get an exhaust hanger off in about 20 seconds with it. Channel locks work almost as well but the tool I bought makes it so easy.

My buddies laughed at me when I got it but those that have swapped their exhausts have since had a change of heart once they borrowed mine and saw how easy it was.

Got mine off amazon for $10-$15 range.

 

+1 on using a hanger removal tool.

I found WD40 to be a BIG help in removing the hangers. However, WD40 + hanger removal tool = much less time and effort to swap mufflers, more time drinking
After running couple of axle backs, i decided to go back to a quiet stock muffler (or a stock replacement), as I want to enjoy listening to music and engage passengers chatter on longer rides.

I must say though, some of the ones I ran had a really nice rumble at idle, and some had ridiculous drone at 2500 rpm.