Ken describes the process well. There are differences between the turbo and non-turbo models due to the location of the exhaust pipe. With the non-turbo 300d, the starter comes out over the tie rod with the wheels turned all the way to the right.
I believe other members have reported that the starter can be removed on the turbo without disconnecting any suspension parts but the wheels have to be turned in order during the process in order to snake it out.

I've got to replace the starter in my 85 td in a few weeks. On the non-turbo, it's about a one hour job.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13