my father and i just put an alternator in on one of our contours this past weekend. all you have to do is remove the right front wheel and splash sheilds. using extentions you can reach the three bolts on the back of the alternator. then by twisting and turning is will come out.
I did not see the removal but for install the alternator was in in 10 minutes and it took about 30 after that to bolt in and plug in.
either set the two main bolts in first or you have to reach around to get them in. no to bad to do but it took two of us, one guiding and one getting the bolts in. the little bracket you might want to bolt to the alternator first, my father got it out with it on, but you can get it on after wards. found it was easy to get the bottom bolted on and swing the alternator up to get the top bolt. Then all you have to do is install the bracket and plug it in.
oh I forgot you need to remove the sway bar link to get the alternator in and out.
the reason it costs so much is by the service manual you are suppose to remove the y-pipe, and the tie rod end, and sway bar link and who knows what else....
