Rich, I have just gotten in from the garage working on my 98 duratec alternator so listen up.
First a couple questions. Did you take off the plastic pieces on the inner fender so that you can get to the alt. good? Next, you can get a socket on the bottom bolt, but it is difficult and you get about 1 click out of the ratchet each time. if you can do this, you might still be able to get it out with the socket. if not try this:
The bottom bolt should be sticking out from the opposite end of the alternator from where the head is. Your best bet is probably to get a pair of vise grips on that end and try to get it loose. This will be difficult but it might work.
Drawing of what I mean: [==| |=- the bracket is the head of the bolt, the equals are the bolt itself, the spaces are the alt. and the - is the end of the bolt sticking out. Vise grip hear and try to loosen the bolt.
Now, the top bolt is fairly easy. with the car as high on jackstands as possible (please use jack stands not just a jack, I know that is a given but just in case) crawl under the car so that you are laying like if you were laying across the front seats with your head on the drivers seat. reach up with your left hand to the drivers side of the exhaust manifold and using a 12" extension and a socket (you will have to use your right hand to help guide from the alt. side) locate the bolt and put the socket on the bolt. Next, put the ratchet on the extension and go to town. Once you get the bolts out, the alt. may still be in the bracket pretty good from friction so you may have to pry it loose somehow.
Good luck,
Brad
