starter removal 99 4x4

Does anyone know the trick for getting the starter out of the vehicle? Starter is free but can't seem to find the orientation that gets it out. Removed skid plate as instructions direct. Does exhaust pipe need to be loosened? I'll try removing motor from starter assembly and see if that works.

[Self Reply] Removing the motor from the starter assembly did allow remaining components to get past exhaust pipe to rear and out of vehicle. This seems an unusually complicated approach. I'd like to hear if anyone has removed a whole starter from a Durango 4x4 and how.

[Self Reply] Removing the motor from the starter assembly did allow remaining components to get past exhaust pipe to rear and out of vehicle. This seems an unusually complicated approach. I'd like to hear if anyone has removed a whole starter from a Durango 4x4 and how.

Starter Removal, Removing Starter:
This is for the next unlucky person who tries to replace a starter.
Just went through aggravating task of removing starter from '98 Durango 4X4. Skid plates must come off. The starter CAN come out straight down "IF" postioned vertically and turned just right. Having your wife look down from above and tell you repeatedly "it won't work" might end in injury. Be careful.