4625sx replace starter

[M1782t]

Sn 23065 I think 1996 or there abouts. The manual says to raise the cage n then shows a pic of a bare engine and you unbolt it. Inreal life the starter is under the entire hydraulic control. So which is the best way to attack, from there n deal with the hydraulics n engine mounts etc. Or from the engine compartment n remove all the exhaust business, or drop the belly pan n stand it on its nose n risk getting squished. Thanks for any experience.