SOS - Notorious Starter Problem !!!

Good Morning

I have a 1998 V6 SR5 4WD (3.2L) and looks like it has a starter related problem. I put in a new battery (since old one was almost dead) but it will not start. The clicking symptoms and all were there.

So, I bought the "starter repair kit" and got to work on it as advised in the many postings here.

I remove the front right wheel; the rubber mats; the engine heat shield from the front bottom. I have the SUV on jack stands in addition to the jack that comes with the vehicle.

For the life of me, I am unable to reach into the 14 mm nuts that attach the starter unit to the bell housing. I think I have identified the two nuts. Both of them point towards the front of the SUV though.

The exhaust pipes and the front shock springs are coming in the way.

Is there a way I can get this to work? Do I need to remove any other parts before I can remove the starter.

I tried using a 10'' extension with the 14mm nuts. No luck.

I am coming to a point where I might just give up.

Can anyone advice a local shop (I live in Norcross GA on Jimmy Carter Blvd, close to Home Depot) that will fix this using my spare parts and not charge me a hand and a foot?

Any suggestions are much apprecaited.

Thanks
M

I shall try the suggestions. Hopefully it will work.

Will post my results.

Many Thanks.
M

You're welcome - Good luck