Looking at mine, I would think you should be able access the lower bolts w/o removing the x-member, kind of depends on how long they are I guess. W/the cover bolts removed and the diff housing support bolt removed it looks there is enough room to slide the cover upwards to remove it. You might have to unbolt the diff from the truck so you can move it around/lower it a bit to get the cover off, but you shouldn't have to remove it. Just make sure to support the diff if you do end up completely unbolting it. It really is one of the those things that until you try you wont know what you have to do.