1997 dodge grand caravan alternator/drive belt

[dabuddha]

so I've got a 3.3L 97 dodge grand caravan which has been squealing for weeks. It seems like the noise is coming from the alternator (confirmed after the belt came off).

So it started with me spraying some belt conditioner on it and the belt came off last night. I then confirmed it was the alternator pulley that was squeaking by turning it by hand. So I'm at the point where I decided to replace the alternator (and I probably should replace the belt as well I'm guessing just to be safe?)

I've got my Haynes manual and it seems somewhat straight forward but looking down under the hood, it doesn't seem like there's a lot of clearance to remove the alternator once I unbolt it. I'm hoping someone might have a picture guide or something showing the process (I'm a novice when it comes to car repair stuff but I think I can handle it) I've changed the alternator on my grand marquis but that was loads easier since there is tons of room under the hood lol.

Any help/tips would be appreciated. I'm hoping I can get it done myself. Around this area, the cheapest quote I got for the job was almost $500. Here's a quick picture I took of the alternator to give an idea of how tight it is:

and here's the page from the haynes manual:

 

[LTC8K6]

It looks like you will have to fiddle around with it to get it out. Probably will only come out by turning it one way.

 

[dabuddha]

It looks like you will have to fiddle around with it to get it out. Probably will only come out by turning it one way.

Yeah that's what I'm thinking. I figure I have nothing to lose since the van isn't driveable right now anyways and if I really fudge it up, I can call a mobile mechanic to come out to finish up the job.