Rep Power: 196

Upper (pivot) bolt in no problem. The lower alternator hole won't line up with the arm that holds the locknut. The alternator won't line up throughout the range of motion, from the top of the bracket to the bottom. What did I screw up?

 
Rep Power: 518

Loosen the OTHER bolt holding that bracket.

 
Rep Power: 196

I'll just show myself out.

 
Rep Power: 0

This is my 1st time ever using a site like this so sorry if I'm doing this wrong. I realize this is 4 years old but I am having the same issue. I replaced my head gasket and got everything put back together (including the alternator) and realized I hadn't set my timing. So I took everything back apart to set the timing and now getting the alternator back on looks like the picture above. If I loosen every single bolt holding the motor mount and alternator to the block then I can manage it however, I cant access the bolts under the alternator to the mount.

 
Rep Power: 366

remove alternator again, loosen the bolt of the bracket

 
Rep Power: 118

There is a 14MM bolt on the slotted bracket holding it down that you need to loosen. No need to take it out, just loosen it enough that the bracket moves up and down freely. This will give you enough movement in the bracket to line it up and get the bolt in the alternator. Let us know if you need more help

 
Rep Power: 223

Ensure you tighten that bolt back up afterwards or you may be replacing the ECU sooner than you'd like.

 
Rep Power: 118

You are right! Electricity takes the path of least resistance. If the alternator doesn't have a good ground to the engine, the path of least resistance becomes the control wiring. The ECU wouldn't appreciate being forced to eat the entire output of the alternator.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you thank you thank you! Just spent 2 hours arguing with this same problem!