I have run up against the impossible bolt extraction on my '96 2.8L 12V A4 Quattro as the top starter bolt (the rear facing bolt) seems unnegotiable as it just barely clears the torque converter (aside from being nearly impossible to fit a wrench over and then have room enough to initiate enough torque to loosen it). There has got to be an easier way.

I see lots of tutorials where both bolts are rear facing but very accessible. I was cursed with the evil version of the starter where one bolt faces front and one faces the rear -- diabolical! Is there a way I can remove that bolt without dropping the torque converter?