96fred
Looks like you and I are the first to do this.
It took me all afternoon on Sunday, but I finally got the mother off. If yours is a 4wd, what you have to do is remove the cast iron T brace/bracket that is bolted to the diff. case. Its the only way that I could remove the top bolt on the starter.
I broke 2- 3/8" x 15mm sockets as it is really torqued to the diff.housing. Ended up with a 1/2" drive 15mm 12point shallow socket. A 6 point socket would not work, as there is not enough room to turn a 6 point.
So, break all 3 bolts then remove one at a time. I used the 1/2" socket (15mm x 12 point) with an adapter to 3/8 braker bar. The 3/8" braker bar that I have is very short, with a narrow head. Used a pipe over this bar for an extension.
Be very carefull with the 12 point socket. Its very easy to slip and round off the head of the bolt. Maybe take out the top right bolt first. This one is the most difficult as its right up against the frame mount.
The bushing mount bolt will then come out very easily. Don't drop the T brace on your head, its kind of heavy, lol.
This will give you enough access to remove the starter. The top starter bolt on mine was not very tight at all. Just no way to turn a wrench or socket until I removed the T brace.
Hope this helps you. PM me f I can be of any other help.
