1996 4.3 4wd
2qusetions guys
1st what is the trick to getting the upper 4 tranny bolts out
2nd does the exhaust have to come off for a sucessfull removal

 

either use snap-on shallow swivel sockets and swearlot like I did or remove tranny crossmember and let the tranny sag enough to get the bolts or undo the body at the mounts and jack up the body to give more clearance

 

Dropping the transmission crossmember is the way to go. You will still need quite a few extensions and a swivel at the end to get it done, but atleast you will be closer to being able to see them.