I have 2001 Dodge Durango 4.7L 4wd. OBD code said crank shaft sensor. While removing said sensor the plastic part broke. while trying to remove remnants it appears that the steel part of the sensor has fallen into the pan. I imagine my only option is to drop the oil pan to retrieve. Is this correct and it appears that dropping that pan is a pia.

 

I would say yes, unless the piece is heavy enough to just sit in the pan and not cause trouble.

Removing the pan is a PITA.

 

i would say yes and yes on both counts

however you may get lucky if you drain the oil the part may just come out in the flow, however that is up to you if you want to try that or not

 

You could try using a strong magnet and run it under the pan to drag the piece to the oil drain.

 

Did drain oil and will try magnet trick. I believe the metal piece itself is magnetized and if it is the same as the replacement one it will be bout 1/16" too big to fit through drain. The good thing is I'm doing the work myself to "save money" har de har har.

 

Well… They do make oversize replacement drain plugs. So, you could tap the hole to the larger size.
Most lube shops have a good supply of these on hand for all the plugs they strip out.

 

I love that idea.