I changed the starter on my '96 Trooper LS (automatic trans) earlier this year. I was able to remove the starter without removing the downpipe.

Socket extensions will have to pass through and next to the crossmember to get at the starter bolts. You will need to use 3/8" extensions to pass through the crossmember.

I found a 1/2" "wobble" extension to be very handy when removing and installing the inboard bolt. A U-joint-type of extension may have worked, but clearances are tight up there (access to the bolt is slightly offset and you're navigating through an ~8" 'tunnel' just wide enough for the bolt and drive). FYI, I got my wobble extension at Autozone (Great Neck band) as part of a wobble-and-extension drive set.


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I would suggest jack stands for this. If not you'll be hard pressed for space.

BTW, I'm 5'11", wear large gloves and have relatively thin forearms - if you're bigger, be sure to take along someone who can get their hands up there.


After having removed the starter bolts, use both hands to rotate the starter so that the little motor that sticks off the side points up and towards the front of the car. You'll be able to slide it down along the exhaust downpipe. The tricky part is right around the oil pan and the receiver for the torsion bar. IIRC, the key was rotating the starter around a ~vertical axis while I simultaneously slid the starter around the rounded edge of the oil pan.

Hope this helps,

Ed