Okay fellas, give me a few tips on getting to that top starter bolt. I got the bottom and middle off no problem, but I dont see a way to the top one. I can see the back if it, I just can't see or feel the front. I'm tired of working on my car so any help is appreciated.

 

Geta very long extension and use a swivel socket and go in from behind the radiator.

 

+1 extensions are your friends.

 

Heres how I have always done it and still do it 5 times a month. I take a 1/4" short socket, a 6" extension and ratchet and while feeling the bolt headwith my left hand I feed the tool onto the bolt head, break it loose and then remove the ratchet while still holding the socket on the bolt and simply unscrew it. I leave the middle bolt in so there is no weight on the top bolt as I take it out, then remove the mid bolt. I use the same set up to install it but loadupthe socket with some grease to hold the bolt in it, guide it over the starter into the hole, screw it in and use the ratchet to tighten it, good luck.

 

After tearing out at least 20 transmissions on 4.6L at work, I found a good way to do it. Just use a 1/4" ratchet. With a 6" wobble extension. Takes some grunt to get it loose, but once you do its super easy.

 

I tried starting there but I dont see any path to the top bolt.

I figured a wobble extension would be best. If all you need is like 6" of extension, where to you put the wrench?

 

I have to take a video of how I do mine. It's amazing that so many people have trouble with this one bolt. I can take my starter out in 10 minutes. It's not hard. You can reach a long extension through the front.

 

I can take mine out in 10 min also. I just leave the pita top bolt out. Haven't had any issues yet.

 

The top bolt will definitely be staying out. 96GT226410, you should make a video and it can go in the how-to section.