Amigo-2k and all,
Came across this today thanks to my trusty Isuzu mechanic. 2 months ago I had my starter replaced on my 1998 trooper at the local dealer. I would have done it myself but timew and the rusty exhaust made me go there. Anyway 2 months later and i started to die again
. I crawled underneath thinking"bolts are free this time cause they were done 2 months ago". Guess what. The bolts are still rusted in place
. So how'd he get the old one out withoput moving the exhaust. I stopped by and asked if he would give me the secret and save me from the Labor Costs again. Took his secret, went home and guess what...2 hours and the change out was complete and I never had to touch the exhaust.
The secret.... Remove the 4, 14mm engine mount bolts, 2 on each side just below the exhaust manifold. Easliy sccessable but putting them back can be a challenge, just be patient. Anyways, once removed jack up the car the actually jack up the engine. with the engine lifted about 1" or so it will give you enough room to remove the starter out the rear of the truck with alittle wiggleing to line it up through the opening. I actually slid out the old and slid in the new one under @ 3minutes total after lifting the engine.
Hope this helps all you other 1998 and above 4x4,Trooper owners.
Mike