1995 GMC Jimmy SLT 4 X 4 4.3 L

Yes, the Starter is hard to remove and install.
I have removed and replaced without removing the Trans Crossmember
nor Bellhousing / Trans Cover Plate.
You do have to do some twisting and manuevering. Yes - work through Wheel wheel.
The most difficult part I found is the Solenoid and Battery Primary Wires.

 

Aaaarrrrgghhhh

1994 Blazer 4x4. And I have run into the very same problem. The bolts came out just too easy and it got loose in an instant. But then I've been fiddling with it for 10 minutes and tried all positions and angles to get it out - no luck.

Ordered a new one now and I'll wait for it to get here before I try to get the old one out.

I have to check the following before starting over:

- Access to the solenoid and cabling through the wheel well and the flap next to the front suspension.
- Do I really need to get the bar off which sits between the engine and the tranny.
- What can I do in order not to have the same problem in the future.

Albeit thinking about future: That might be a complete engine rebuild as it has some 173'000 miles on the odo.

I'll be back

 

Finally got it out and a new starter motor in.

Took quite a bit to find out what the best way how to do this, mainly due to incomplete information or different set-up.
The main trouble lies in the version of vehicle. 4x4 is a nightmare to work on as the front axle supports are in the way. If still running with the original starter motor a nightmare as well. (The original one is "big" and touches everywhere.)

Here is the link to the DIY section with pics and how I have fixed it.

REMARK: It treats 1st gen blazer 1983 - 1994 (actual model 1994)

https://blazerforum.com/forum/articl...acement-81349/

 

Moved to: 2nd Gen S-series (19995-2005) Tech

 

Starter that was in my 95 went in and out no problem. First time, so what's the big deal I said. Well when it finally died I found the big problem. Old one came out like a dream, same as before. New one would not fit, no way no how. Laid them side by side. On the front and the back were the bush bearings fit were both a 1/16 longer. Largest 8th ever!

So lower bell housing off.

This may be why for some it's so hard and some easy.

i would highly recommend a Hitachi style replacement starter and splicing in a six inch extension to the purple solenoid wirer.

 

I loosened the bell housing only to find a stripped head, anyhow with alot of twisting and battery wire disconnected it will come out, mine did.