Done this the other weekend as one of the flexi's was blown. Felt like sharing my experience and give few advices (may be some controversy tho).
To start with, you are WAY better off using a ramp/lift. I wouldn't even attempt it to do on a driveway/jack stands - you'll hate everything as there will little to no space to move.
BEFORE the day when undoing the manifold - soak up all the manifold nuts (you can reach them from the top, just open the bonnet and use a light, you'll see them *******s) with WD40/any other penetrant liquid. Might help (might not, but better safe than sorry).
Prior to starting the job, make sure:
1) to order your new exhaust manifold gasket (local Renault charged me 7 quid with next day delivery).
2) get decent tools, small and big ratchets, deep and shallow socket's. Might to with some ratchet spanners too.
3) start early in the morning - in case something goes wrong leaves you enough time to get help/etc.
Then it's pretty much as per antnee's advice:
Car up in the air
Undo ARB drop links
Remove/undo the track rod ends from the hubs
Undo bolts for lower torque mount (engine mount)
Take off the U shape brace under the car
Take off the big brace/subframe
Undo the steering UJ (in the footwell)
Unplug the lambda sensor
Remove the last bolts for the subframe which are hidden by the arch liners
Drop the subframe down
Remove nuts from manifold onto the engine
undo the clamp from the manifold to cat
Remove the manifold carefully (the starter motor is positioned below the flange so don't let it drop too much
Personal experiences:
1) make sure you disconnect your battery before starting; keep wheels straight (just a general advice with everything)
2) it's great to have someone around when needed to push/pull/hold/watch/etc things
3) I did not undo the track rod ends; instead unbolted steering rack from the subframe and disconnected UJ from steering column, and left the whole thing hanging
4) some say you don't have to disconnect the the UJ - I tried and couldn't get enough clearance without disconnecting. Trust me it's a waste of time and excess stress, just disconnect the UJ
5) if you do decide to disconnect UJ, make sure NOT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL after doing so. High chance of damaging the squib which will set you back another 50+ quid and 1h of work (experienced this in the past)
6) once everything unbolted from the bottom and hanging loose, I had to take the wipers/wiper cover etc off - easy job, you'll see the bolts. Make sure you clean your drainage holes besides top mounts (mines were blocked). You'll need a thick-ish wire and some water. Pour some water to see if it's floating through, if not - wire in and give it a wiggle until water comes form the bottom back of the wheel arches
7) the manifold nuts will most likely be tight AF. Also they're small (10mm), easy to break, etc. Be very careful, make sure your sockets/spanners sit perfectly square and procceed to undo. I snapped the very nut/stud, so that on had to be replaced.
8) once they're off, get car up high again, get someone to give a hand and wiggle the manifold out.
Had mine repaired and put back in the same day. Assembly was easier as I knew what's going on etc. Don't forget your gasket and gasket prep area - give it a good wipe/clean so it's nice and smooth. Check the gasket prep on manifold - should be nice and clean. Do manifold nuts evenly starting from the middle working your way round. Double check they're all tight.
Also when putting all your suspension components back - double/triple check everything is nice and tight and no spare bolts left around.
When bolting subframe back on - watch out for the lambda wires as well as Xenon light adjuster wires - they apparently can get trapped.
Overall it's not an easy job, but no rocket science. Took me about 8 of my own hours over the course of two days plus about an hour help from my mate as I like to keep it steady and was doing full service as well. Assuming all bolts would've gone off easy and I didn't snap the first stud, I reckon you can get it off in about 2hrs and put back even quicker than that.
Reason I opted to do it myself is I was quoted around 120-160 quid for removal/install and around 40-50 quid for welding repair. Couldn't escape the welding expenses, but my mate only charged me 50 quid to use his garage, and I did a full service (oil/filters/spark plugs) whilst doing the manifold, which he normally charges me 40 quid for.
Hope this helps someone. Happy to answer any questions.
Keep it real yo