Rather than digging into the front end parts, just turn the steering wheel a little back and forth, or better yet have a helper turn it EVER SO SLIGHLTY AND GENTLY while you work it out.
It pays to not move the wheel again when you find the sweet spot to put the old one back up there. Take careful note of how the old one comes out. Watch your fingers!
I laid right underneath it and used my chest to support it, if it falls you are in trouble. That is one heavy sucker.

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)