82 300d alternator bracket removal - how to

[nevremj]

After reading many entries on this site (thanks to all) I am not sure if taking the alternator bracket off the engine is better than taking the alternator out of the bracket. Some even manage to rebuild the electrics on the alternator without taking it out at all. I don't see how I can get to the voltage regulator with the alternator still in the car.

Can some one who has done it give me some advice.

Are there 4 bolts (17mm) attached bracket to engine?
Are they accessible? Better from above or below?
Does the harmonic balancer come into play for these bolts? Or is that for the alternator to bracket bolts.

Several years ago I partly stripped a similar car and remember it being very difficult to deal with the long bolt that the alternator pivots on. Will removing the alternator bracket make that part easier?

Thanks for any help.