got an update on the novice backyard mechanics for anyone who's interested...
spent the weekend grunting and groaning, trying to remove the coolant lines and the two bolts holding the front pipe to the cat. all of them were fu:) ) we were able to undo the coolant lines and remove the oil lines from the turbo. with all of these lines off and the manifold bolts off - the only thing left holding the turbo in place was the cat/front pipe bolts... no problem.. yea right!
those mothers were waaaay rusted! i recommend anyone who is deciding to do this carry a BIG can of wd40 and a BIG spanner - possibly even a hammer! after much bashing, got one bolt loose and out and the other one snapped cause the thread was so rusted...
while the lot is out - it was decided that a dump pipe should be added before putting everything back...
so - things left to do..
drill out bolt in cat
fix heat wrap around air con lines (damaged when pulling turbo out)
re-attach oil/coolant lines to turbo
replace turbo/manifold gasket (the original job!)
replace all piping
check oil/coolant levels and top up accordingly
give offerings to local god.. start engine..