2000 Tahoe Starter Replacement

I've got a 2000 Tahoe 4wd with a 5.3l motor in it. I need to replace the starter in it, but the danged thing won't come out. I've removed the two bolts that hold it in place, and the plastic dust boot for the flywheel/torque converter cavity is loose, but the thing still won't come out. It appears that I'm gonna have to either seperate the tranny from the motor to get the clearance to move the starter back far enough to remove it, or there's bound to be some other way. PLEASE help me figure this out.

Thanks in advance!

Dan Semar