When you want to make sure something will eventually fail, break, or self-destruct just make it from a plastic material I was under the mid-section of the '96 Dakota Sport adjusting the parking brake when I looked over to find the wire for the O2 sensor was laying atop the very back of the catalytic convertor! The plastic tab that should hold the loom away from hot pipes was still imbedded in the frame. The wires don't appear to be burned all the way through yet, but I suppose i had better replace the sensor just in case. I will probably need some kind of specail socket for removal and I hope I have one around here somewhere. Sometimes "engineering" leaves something to be desired. Vehicle has 299,000 miles on the odometer so I shouldn't complain.

 

To remove it, just cut the wires, and use a regular deep well socket. To install it, use a wrench. No need to buy a tool you may use twice in your lifetime.

 

Might want to consider some PB Blaster and a cheater bar too.

 

That certainly never hurts.

 

If the truck isn't throwing any codes & is running OK why go to the trouble of replacing any parts? I personally would put some heat shrink on the affected wire(s), get some cable ties and secure it away from the cat...but that's just me. Said part may go another ?????? miles before needing to be replaced. Good luck.

 

Is that like if it aint broke don’t fix it?
I read his post a second time. You’re right, he didn’t say there was any functional damage.

 

yep...

 

be sure to carefully tuck those wires out of harm's way