"With some effort" is an understatement.

There is no problem getting the fasteners loose or disconnecting the wiring or the oil lines, but then the mechanic is faced with 105 pounds (or maybe more) that he just cannot get in a good position to handle. I do know from my experience with one failing immediately after replacement, when the second alternator was removed and replaced the grunting and groaning that took place the first time was almost non-existant the second time. The key is for the mechanics to know exactly how to handle that dead weight.

The weight is not the sole problem. That alternator is full of oil and if it is mishandled the mechanics get an oil bath, and the oil is black and ugly, the main reason you never let them get at it from the top.