I have to do this job this week! Maybe tomorrow! So, I'm very interested in this thread. I also wonder how it fits through the hole near the axle. What do you mean you 'let the axle drop just enough' to wiggle it out? So, you're pulling out the axle and then putting it back in again? Is there any way the alternator can fit through the gap/hole without pulling the axle out?

I've only looked at everything from the top but tomorrow I'll be taking a good look from underneath the car!

Btw, the car is a '90 Civic DX sedan.