Pray that your's does not die.

After 4 hours I replaced the GM's starter with 172K miles on it. For anyone attempting this...you HAVE to buy two 3/8 inch flex extension connectors for your socket extensions to flex around frame and engine components. AND you will need a variety of lengths of extensions to make a snake that will go around the motor mount and A/C compressor to do that 3rd inside-most bolt next to the block.
Without the flex connectors I could not get a straight extension to fit and attach a rachet to it to get the bolt off.

I had to play with different lengths and placement of the flex joints to finally get it to work to remove the bolts. My total length to do that inside-close to the block 3rd bolt was an extension about 2 feet long using both flex connectors.

I hope the newer 2003+ models with the redesigned front frame is better than this design.

FYI: I took the old starter apart and the seals had gone bad and let dirt inside, all the brushes and contacts were fine but grit had done too much damage to the rest of the starter.

Did you attempt to remove the solenoid before removing the starter? Removing that makes the procedure go quite a bit faster.

Rob

I dont know why so many people have such a b!tch of a time with starters on these mod motors. On average, it takes me less that a half hour to swap them out.

I opt to remove the A/C compressor and just move it off to the side. No need to disconnect or discharge.

i did the starter on my 97 in about 30 minutes. luckilly it had been done before and whoever did it did not reinstall the third bolt

I also don't understand people issues, mine took 15 out 15 in.

It comes out easy with a 1/4 inch rachet with extention, no need for u joint. I have changed them on CV, GM, and TC with no problem. Good luck

AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH the 3rd bolt...Its about as useful as a 3rd eye. On your forehead.

Did you reinstall the third bolt?

In did when i did mine now i get to do a motor swap soon and have a 3rd bolt on the starter to look forward too.

Only two for me

for me it wasnt the third bolt.. my f150 had that same starter. it was trying to find the right angle to slide it out of there.

Nothing like my 03 with the updated frame and suspension for a quick 5 minute starter change. ha

I got a stupid "Snake Driver" screwdriver handle, 1/4" dr. flex shaft Taiwan thing from my mother-in law 4 yrs. ago for x-mas. After collecting dust since then-I finally had the light go on in my gourd to try and use it. Ten minutes later the frigging starter was out and in my hot little hands for a bendix spring replacement....go figger.....The screw driver handle and flex shaft worked great after I got the top bolt started coming out with my Snap-on 1/4" ratchet and numerous extensions. same on putting it in....

If I was to use the extensions to remove the bolts, do I still have to remove the a/c compressor to get the extensions through? Its been 2 hours and im still stuck on the second bolt.