There is no need to jack up the engine if you are not replacing the oil cooler lines. Just disconnect them from the oil filter housing (which is more difficult than it looks.)

If you remove the oil filter housing lid and lift the filter slightly, the oil in the filter will drain back into the block. That way you won't lose much oil at all when the filter housing comes off.

now all i need is to locate an expandable rubber freeze plug.

You can get the rubber plugs at any mc parts but thats Jerry Rig. Get the correct plug and never think about it again.

im probably going to get the right plug.. i was under the car and i cant fit my hand up between the IP and block.. not enough room even for a finger to go .. but i can easily access the bottom bolt with my hand.. $1.50 for a freeze plug.. if im going to replace this thing and go through all i might as well do it myself instead of mb tech charging 100$ an hour

BTW, when Sady was putting the bolt in from the bottom, he was laying in grass, gravel and a bit of mud as I recall. Extra points for lack of concern for self and clothing. Young people can be just fearless. Sometimes that actually is a good thing. And I will vouch for his ability to get the bracket and bolts right. I think there probably is a way to do it all from the bottom, just need to make a couple of tools to do it. Rack damper bolt does have to come out. Just mark the pump and bolt and count turns and flats.