Changing dash light bulbs

Hey all, I've got minimal lighting on my dash and need to change some bulbs. Crawling underneath, I only was able to access 2 without being a contortionist. I took the screws out from the face of the dash and attempted to pull that forward but I'm hanging up somewhere. It's plenty loose but the bottom runs into the column and the top binds when trying to tilt it out. I don't want to force anything so I was looking for some education. I Imagine I may have to do something with the speedo cable and the mass of wiring loom; Any input so I don't break something...:eek:? Also was debating LED bulbs but watched one vid describing how some get too hot at the base and fail. Any thoughts on which type or brand works well...or should I just go old school 168\194's?