rock the engine forward by taking the dog bones off the front of the engine to the rad support, ratchet strap or rope to hold it. this will give about 3 more inches to work with and it makes a big difference to me as i have huge ass hands. you can now also see the plugs.

and i like to wear leather work gloves, they take the fear of bleeding all over when you rip it off and you hand goes flying into stuff. a good twist and pull usually does it. you get a better grip wearing gloves too.