replacing o2 bung

Im trying to help my replace his o2 bung on his 3.0l taurus, and we were running into problems with clearance. We tried various ways of fitting the wrench in b/t all the pipes but we couldn't get enough clearance to turn it to the left. We were thinking of taking out the fan that is in front of the where the bung is. Would this be a good idea or is there another way to make more clearance.

thanks

its either an 01' or 02'

try a o2 sensor socket connects to your ratchet worth the money saves your hands from all the finger banging