Replacing the A/C expansion valve

[Toadhopper]

Does anyone know how to R&R the expansion valve?
There is at least one clip behind the plactic housing that I CANT get to! I'm trying to remove the lower portion of the housing and access the TXV on the side by the evaporator. The clip I cant seem to get is pressed up so close to the firewall I cant get a screwdriver in there to pop it out. I'm also thinking there is another one way in there that is even harder to get to. I must be doing this the wrong way because it seems idiotic to to have it set up this way, but I may be wrong.
Bryan

 

[Toadhopper]

All right ....I finally figured out you cant replace the TXV without removing the cooling unit.
The cooling unit was full of leaves pine needles and all sorts of other debris.

I guess I'll have the evap flushed and cleaned out so it will work the way its supposed to. I feel like an idiot for trying to get to the inaccessible clips and screws without pulling the whole unit out first. Theres nothing like learning by doing something the hardest way possible.
Bryan