It can definately be a PITA getting the drivers side header out, I would pull the linkage out and try it that way. Mine is so tight the guy at the muffler shop who ran my exhaust welded the header to the rest of the exhuast instead of using the bolts and stuff.
I cant honestly remember if I put it in from the top or bottom. Like Blue68Coupe said, you might have to lift your engine, would probably be easier.