I have a 1999 GT and i have to change starter. I have some long tubes on there. Anyone have any hints on how to take it off due to the hard clearance that is available.
Either like 3 feet of extensions feeding them through the motor mount or, use a stubby wrench on the top bolt and drape a chain or something you can get some leverage on and pull down. When installing the starter back into the car, just leave the top bolt off.
What he said. The top bolt you can feel with your hand but it is hard to get to. You may need and extra set of hands while you slip the extensions thru the motor mount, have someone guide the socket onto the bolt. You can replace it if you want but I left mine off...no issues.
I have had good luck with a 13mm flex socket and a couple of long extensions. Run the extension through the motor mounts. Works best to have a buddy work the ratchet wrench.
It is fairly easy to get one hand up there to guide the socket, but everything is done by feel. Fairly easy to tell when on the bolt.
To re-install, Lightly tape the bolt to the socket. Once the bolt is started, remove the socket and the tape. Tighten. Again, having a buddy on the wrench helps.