Replacing Starter on 1983 Sunbird

[4dead]

I need to replace the starter on my 1983 Pontiac Sunbird J2000. The manual says to remove rear engine bracket, then disconnect wires, remove mounting bolts, and take out starter. It doesn't look that simple. I went underneath with the intentions of removing the starter twice and backed off because it looked too intimidating. If I was able to disconnect wires and remove bolts there just doesn't look like there is any way the starter is going to come out, and the obstructions look rather difficult to move. Is there something I am missing or any tricks that would help or is it just much more involved than the manual is letting on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I do most all of my own repair and can't believe a starter is creating this much of an intimidation factor. If it is that bad, what should I expect to pay to take is to a repair shop?

[Paul94Z28]

I just did this on my 84. It was not that bad at all. 2 Hours to get it out and 2 to install. The tough part for me was the upper starter bolt that has to come out a 16th of a turn at a time. Just take your time once the starter is loose, turn it on end to get it out.