Got all the tools including many 1/2 extensions etc. It is not reaching the bolt that is the issue, it is about being able to do do it reasonably. Still was a pain. Now with a proper locking nut on the outside I can remove in 5 minutes. With a couple of engineering degrees and 30 years experience I know this is right to do. This modified configuration (bolt and nylon locknut) now matches every other alternater mounting system I have worked on including my Ford Clubwagon 460 CID. Manufacturers do not always choose the best methods. When I worked in the mining industry and new underground load/haul dump machines (scoop trams as we called them) were purchased, the first thing we did to them before they were used was to completely strip them down and fix every design flaw. Once they are underground they get worked on in place and every bit of downtime counts.
Note that on our cars the radiators cannot easily be removed from the top like just about every other car. What the heck was Ford thinking about this configuration that was reasonable. Yes you can remove them but it is a pain and it does take a lot more time than it should. They need to consider repair times and costs in the design not just the manufaturing cost.
