Starter Removal V6 sohc 4wd

[wwbird]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on removing the starter in my 1998 Sport with the V6 Sohc motor. The Bottom bolt of the starter is pretty easy to get to but I cannot find a way to get to the top bolt. It is hung up under the main cross beam, oil pan and other things. I could probably drop the front drive shaft to get better access but am not sure.

Any tips on starter removal would be very helpful

 

[RickOTR]

Ok, I'm going to revive this thread from the grave since it's about two years old. I just took two 2 foot long 1/2" extensions with deep well swivel sockets and tackled it from the front removing all the bolts and nuts. Took about 10 minutes to fish the top bolt out. Didn't drop the front diff or drive shaft, just worked the starter forward till it cleared the trans and then reached in the engine bay from the top after removing the EGR tube and lifted it out. Total labor took 2 hours.

 

[Justinwht]

All three bolts should be accessable from under the starter. Or you could pull off the tire and get to it.
There are several Youtube vids for the SOHC - which were worthless to me with the OHV

 

[RickOTR]

Remove the EGR tube, pull the starter forward all the way to clear exhaust manifold and lift out of the truck. There's a heat shield mounted to the frame to protect the metal fuel lines which would require removal if bringing through the drivers side fender well