Valve Cover Removal?! '98 STS

I am in the process of changing the cover gaskets and have run into a problem.

I changed the back gasket with no problems, but cannot get the front one off.
I have the cam pulley that drives the water pump off, but still cannot get the cover off to get the gasket changed. 
Is there a trick to this?!

Did you take off the seal behind that pully?
3 7mm head bolts IIRC.
I would replace that seal also anytime the valve cover is removed.

Yep, the seal is off, got a new one with the gasket kit.   It seems like the cross member or radiator support  that goes across the front of the car above the radiator, is what is stopping me from having enough room to get the cover off.

This is what it looks like, is there anything else I am suppose to take off to get this cover off?

Here's another pic.

From the GM service manual

quote:

 Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Partially drain the coolant from the radiator.
Remove the intake manifold sight shield.
Disconnect the upper radiator hose at the water crossover.
Disconnect the spark plug wires.
Remove the right side cooling fan.
Disconnect the battery cable at the generator.
Disconnect the cable harness clip at the cam cover. Place the cable out of the way.
Disconnect the PCV (2) fresh air tube from the cam cover.
Disconnect the water pump drive belt.
Remove the EGR tube.
 
Remove the water pump pulley using J 38825 .
Remove the camshaft seal retainer screws.
Remove the camshaft seal.
 

Remove the cam cover screws.
 
Remove the cam cover by moving the cam drive end of the cover up.

Pivot the entire cover around the water pump drive shaft.
 
Move the cover upward and pivoting such that the edge of the cover closely
follows the left edge of the intake manifold cover.
Discard the cover seal if there is any evidence of damage or if the seal comes
out of the groove in the cover during removal. The spark plug seals may be reused if undamaged.

Thanks for the info Fl.
I didn't take the cooling fan out, but looks like there is plenty of room there?
I think the car was in an accident before I bought it.  The radiator support looks bent , I think that is whats stopping me from getting the cover high enough to clear the cam gears.
I will look at it again in the morning.
Who would've thought to take that black plastic piece off that covers the radiator when checkin out the car... lol  I dunno

Once you get the gaskets installed let us know if that solved the oil leak and smoking please.

Sorry I took so long to get back on an update on the oil leak. The cover gaskets are changed!!  I still have an oil leak, although not as bad.  Looks like the oil pan gasket is leaking.  I heard that is a nightmare to get changed, is there an easy/quick temp. fix to this, or does the cradle have to be dropped?

I think the 98's were subject to a recall to fix lower engine oil leaks. Maybe you can check into that. Mine was repaired under the recall, main seals.

I wasn't aware of a recall due to oil leak... When I bought the car about a year ago, I called Cadillac to make sure there weren't any safety recalls or what not that needed to be taken care of.  Was/is this a silent recall for ppl that complain?  With 310,000 miles, do you think it would be eligible?

I just checked nhtsa's website and only found 2 recalls on this car.  windshield wiper microprocessor and alternator.  I called Cadillac and asked again about recalls, I gave the VIN and was told there are no open recalls on this vehicle.
I dunno...  guess no cheap fix for me lol