Once again, thank WAL family for great info and write ups. had to swap my starter this morning when I was headed out for coffee.That top bolt is something. used a box end over it slightly angled wrench. took a 24 inch 2x2 down through the open hood and a deadblow and was able to knock it loose.
Swapped out my sloppy draglink since i was near deathwobble again. just getting my coffee now after 7 hrs or wrenching and multiple trips to the parts store. Ah, Saturdays...