Is there some trick to getting the rear bolts back in or do I just gotta strip the flesh to get em in there? I already undid the motor mounts and have lifted the engine a little but I have giant meathook hands and am havin a hell of a time. Any hints would be usefull thanks guys. (gonna buy uni. joint socket in the am)

If it is strictly an issue of your hands being large and in the way, yet there is still room to insert the bolt into the hole, try this:

 

Apply something like a bit of sticky putty, chewed bubble gum, or window caulk to the inside top of your socket. The idea is apply a substance that will temporarily hold your bolt inside the socket to keep it from falling out. With your hands turn the drive extension, with maybe using a wobbler (if at a bad angle) with socket attached, then hand tighten the bolt (a few threads) to get it started into the hole. Then apply the drive handle to completely tighten down the bolt. The hand tightening gives you a lot better feel of correctly inserting the bolt to prevent cross threading, however, I bet you already know this part.

get someone with smaller hands to get them started for you??

 

is it possible to raise the motor up a little bit more maybe? (without causing problems that is)

 

other than that, what Rooster2 suggested

there are 3 or 4 access holes in the crossmember, use correct tools, extension will fit thru the holes straight to the bolt head.

 

undoing the motor mount studs, and ALSO the DOGBONE needs undone then you can sfaely get the height you need off the crossmember. Watch out for hoses, wires pulling, radiator hose flex etc when raising it up.