When I did mine I had to take off most of the clips for the grill. It was a little difficult working around the wench for still think it is the easiest option.

Edit: Thought about correcting the spelling but it is too funny.

 

Why didn't you just ask her to move? And, for clarity's sake, was that a wife or GF that you refer to so . . cavalierly?

 

My bad

 

X2 remove the grill way easier!

 

Here's what the 2009 JK Owner's manual says:

Head Light
1. Open hood and support using prop rod.
2. Remove the front grille. Turn the retainers along the
top 1/4 turn counterclockwise and remove.
3. Pull the bottom of the grille away starting at one side
and working toward the other.
4. Turn both park and turn signal socket assemblies 1/4
turn counterclockwise and remove.
5. Remove the four screws holding the metal retaining
ring.
6. Remove the lamp from the collar.
7. Grasp the bulb and turn 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
8. Pull the bulb from the housing.
9. Push connector locking tab to the unlock position.
10. Remove connector from bulb.
11. Push connector onto new bulb base, and push the
connector locking tab to the lock position.
CAUTION!
Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life. If the
bulb comes in contact with any oily surface, clean the
bulb with rubbing alcohol.
12. Reinstall bulb housing. Rotate the bulb 1/4 turn
clockwise.

 

Yeah what he said

 

I changed mine by moving the horn on the drivers side (just one screw). The passenger side I moved the air filter box (whatever its called, it just pops out). It was tight and surprised me because there was plenty of room still in there. Like it was designed for a much bigger engine possibility.

 

After all is said and done, the easiest way to replace the bulbs is to remove the grill and lamp holder rings and do it from the front with the lamps out. It takes 20 min.

 

 

I swapped bulbs in my fathers rubicon from the back and it was a pain in the ass. I swapped mine by removing the grill and retaining rings. Took me like 5 minutes total. EASY.