Ok. First I believe you are working on a 01 S correct? If so here are some pics that should make things easier to understand. The 98-00 is a little different.
This picture is the bracket and hanger assembled, it is upside down but shows all the various attachment points.
The next three pics show the bolts on the hanger looking from rear of car. These bolts are captured and do not need to be backed up. The bolts pass through the top of the bracket bolted to the trans.
This last pic shows why you do not want to mess with these bolts. Access is restricted and they would also need to be backed up. However on the 98-00 there is one bolt here that is captured and can be removed without removing the bumper cover.
So are you installing an aftermarket exhaust?
Hope this helps.