Changing the Alternator

I can't remember how many alternators I have changed in my life and I have seen almost every configuration of attachment. The bottom line here is that they are not difficult to work on although sometimes they are a challenge to get at and you either have to be a contortionist or have a high threshold of pain. The one thing you do need and should never attempt anything without is patience. Vast fields of gently wafting in the warm wind calming patience.
I know that I have, in past entries, expounded on the virtues of the ease of accessibility of the dodge van. And I stand by those statements, mostly. But this one simple task, that I have done over and over again is proving to be my Waterloo. But I will not be defeated easily for I have the knowledge to figure it out and the stubbornness to not let it beat me. I don't care how much of the vehicle I have to pull apart, this alternator is going DOWN!
My problems started early Saturday morning unbeknownst to me. I opened up the RV popped the hood pulled the doghouse and removed the air cleaner. I took a little bit of time to size up the job at hand. There, in front of me, sat the little bugger out in the open with all terminals and bolts easily accessible, and I smiled to myself thinking that this is going to be one of the easiest alternators I have ever changed. The easiest being in an early 2000's Chevy pickup, you just can't get any easier than that.
Well what I didn't realize was that I just jinxed myself.
I disconnected the battery first, I didn't want to burn any wiring. Then I removed the power terminal wire followed by the other two connectors. Next I removed the pivot bolt and adjustment bolt being careful not to drop the spacers. The alternator dropped in place onto the brackets below. Easy. Now to get it out.
I looked at the alternator and sized it up. Then I carefully plotted any possible paths I could use. To my chagrin there were no paths. So I did what every neanderthal would do. I drew it back to me and, clunk, it hit an obstacle, I turned it  and tried again, clunk. Ok, maybe I can get it out from under the hood, after I remove the old air conditioning compressor, after removing the antifreeze reservoir, after removing the radiator. . .
Ok, I can certainly get it out from under the wheel well after I remove the splash guard. That is if it were made of plastic not metal and it were attached with bolts not welded.
So there I was, lying on the ground staring up at the loose alternator sitting on the frame rail, mocking me. It was then I decided that I would have to get it into high gear and take things to the next level.
I have always had full intention of changing the water pump and any other item that may let go at the most inopportune time. So I thought that this was as good a time as any.
I removed the front grill which took me about an hour, on one screw. There were five screws holding it on.
I placed the grill in the RV and closed up for the night.
I may have lost the battle but I will win the war. Next weekend.