Maybe I can add a bit about taking out that top bolt. Had the starter die on my 2000 after this morning's snow storm and had to change it in a parking lot laying on the ice. Use a 20" extension (or 2-10") a deep socket and a universal joint and reach in through the wheelwell. I took off the tire and it was almost easy. If the light's good you can actually see the sucker. You can also get a good 1/3 turn using the extension. Someone at Ford's laughing about this one.

And yes, in putting the top bolt back in, I lost it in the snow. Instantly disappeared. Sunk in like a rock in a creek. So I'm driving around with just two bolts. Ordered a pack of three replacements (N808980) from Ford for $13.03. Now I can lose two more.

I need a better hobby.

 

I had to do this job on my 98 Expy and I pretty much knew what I was in for as I had done it several times on Mark VIIIs. The Expy was a piece of cake compared to the Mark even though the Mark has 10MM heads on the bolts. Its not a job for the mechanically challenged though, for sure. The top bolt isn't too hard for me as I use a bit of paper towel (or equiv.) and shove the bolt head into the socket firmly, that keeps it from dropping out of the socket during installation. After the bolt is tight you just have to wriggle the socket and extension until its free and remove the tools, if you're not careful the socket will stay on the bolt head and be waiting for you the next time you need to remove the starter.

 

Tape the socket to the extension in order to help prevent them from separating.

 

Got me thinking -- if they made 13 mm bolts with a 3/8" square hole on top none of this would be a problem.

 

Good idea, thanks.

 

Not going to work, as starter bolts are13mm. Use two 12 inch extensions, a universal and a 6-point 13mm socket for top and side bolts and access thru the wheel well.

 

Just replaced the starter after it died on me at a cracker barrel. The top bolt snapped off inside the trans case. I too just installed with the two lower ones. There was no way I was going to drill out the case just no room for drill (90 deg )and a bit. Made sure to use antisez on bolts.

 

Just replaced the starter on my 2000 navigator and the third bolt wasn't in it. I guess one of those ford techs dumped it in the parts bucket, lol.
Wasn't too tough of a job with a variety of extensions and universals