If you look at one of the last pictures in that series of pictures, it shows removing to large bolts on the v-6 and v-8 models. Figure 18 and 19.

 

Remove negitave battery cable from battery. Remove battery cable and wires from starter. Take out the 2 mounting bolts and pull the starter out. Snake it down past the exaust and that's it.

 

got it done.....its out...back in and running .....yipppppppeeeeeeeee

 

ya, I replaced 3 starters on mine last winter. when ever it wouldnt start I would just hit the starter with a hammer and it would start right up. the brushes in them get worn out easy.

 

Yep, I have to agree, the starter on the my Dodge Dakota has failed on me 3 times and it needs to be replaced again now, it is a pain in the butt. I wish those bolts were easier to get to. Luckily I got the first replacement from Advanced Auto and it has a Lifetime warranty. Too, bad the darn things don't last very long in my climate. It seems every time the weather starts o get cooler, my starter begins to act up. The pinion gear doesn't fly out and catch the flywheel gear, the motor spins, but doesn't connect. And once you have the bolt and nut out, it is tough to find just the right angle to get it past the exaust. I'm going to be rebuilding my engine soon (280,000 miles on it) and I think while I have it out, I'm going to make some type of heat shield to prevent the exaust from getting the starter so hot, because I think that is why the starter only lasts a few months. Don't get me wrong, I love the truck and the engine runs great, but that starter is a pain in the neck.