jimkaray

No, the hold down block is removed to with the bolt. The strap helps hold it but the block real secures it to the tray by clamping down above the lower lip edge of the battery. If not you'd already have it out since the strap is cut. Plus, the battery lip locks in on the tray on opposite side as well.
Here's what we have $50 on ebay
This has a better shot of the block on an earlier model tray.

Riptide

http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=366&viewfil...ded%20View.pdf

Shows what the problem is. Specifically #2 in that picture. See the hold down retainer that big bolt is going into? That's why even if I break the bolt I'm still "screwed" lol.

If the bolt breaks or won't come out for me then I am going to be forced to pry things apart.

The nylon strap is already broken - but that retainer block is still there holding it down.

jimkaray

I know, i've had to deal with this issue probably half a dozen times or more. Some set up are a little easier to work with but not much. If yu look n the illustration you'll see the rectangular shapes at the bottom of the battery. The hold down locks down that part, same on the opposite side only the hold down is one and the same with the tray. You can see that better in the illustration than a picture. Now it might be easier to jump that lip in the back by wedging the two apart but I don't think you have the room to work without removing the hood.

Riptide

Question for you. What if I put a big prybar under the battery from the side facing the engine and just lift.

Bad idea? Will the battery come apart and break on me before the hold down?

jimkaray

There isn't any support on the tray there so it will probably break if you pry downward. If you could get it far enough under the batteryand pry up it might work. Spray the points with lube that need to jump over each other and that will help. If you can get a second set of hands to help it will go easier too. You'll figure it one way or another, hopefully the bolt will loosen or break in a good spot.

Riptide

I think I have enough info now. Thanks for all the help.

I'll try hard to get that thing to turn tonight. I'll use some vice grips further down on it near the washer and see if some prodding will get it to turn from there. If it refuses to turn or if it breaks on me then the next thing to try will be to pry the battery apart from the front retainer block and pop it up and out. I'll have a second set of hands tonight.