Farmall Cub

I accept the fact I'm a slow learner, and it has been a while since I've removed a manifold, but, just curious, has anyone come up w/an easy way to remove the 2 inside nuts on the manifold?? Long socket doesn't fit, flex knuckle doesn't fit, ratchet box end won't go inside! 1/8th turn at a time is a slow process!! Hope to get valves lapped and new head gasket installed this week to see if that solves the water in oil problem. May go ahead and pull the pan to check bottom end and maybe check a rod clearance. Really ran good before?!? W/also tap head bolts and apply sealant (permatex)!! Dusty B