[OverBoardProject]

I just replaced mine on my 4x4 automatic today, and the easiest way that I found is

remove the cross member between the engine and transmission

remove all bolts from the cover between the motor and bell-housing. It'll stay up there hanging up on the exhaust but this is fine.
it'll just slip righ out now with very little hassle.

I did mine in less than an hour, but I was using air tools, plus I had my engine out a couple of months ago... so there was no rusty bolts.
I wish that I would have replaced the starter the same time as the engine