Any suggestions on the easiest way to replace the fuel filter - it seems most difficult to get to.

It was difficult on my '92 but it had more room.
When I changed out the injector pump on Cornbread Red, I put an old thin rug over the fender, batteries and stuff, stood on my 4-2 liter Pepsi crates which got my short self high enough to reach in to do the work without having sharp stuff sticking me in my belly.