It looks to me like the connector shell has to be removed.
Sometimes, but not always. It's tight, taking the shell off really makes it easier, if you're positive you can get them all back right.
If I am thinking correctly, you have to work from behind to undo themounting screws, yes? (In other words, the screw heads face the firewall.)
No, I think they face out. That end is easy, compared to the connector shell and liberating the underdash panels. -- Jim