I am changing the crankshaft sensor. Does anyone have tips on doing it. Looks like a pain to get to,

2000, 1500, 5.2, auto

 

The bolts also have a torx head cut into them. I forget the size. I think it's a 25. You'll need it for the rear bolt as a socket on that one will bind against the head as you're removing it.

Also, a socket swivel is your best friend.

 

mine (5.9l w/46RE) was located at 10 o'clock (looking at the firewall from the front of the engine) and was held in place by a bracket with 2, 1/2" or 9/16" bolts.

I used about 18" of extensions and attacked it from underneath. If you can get a 2nd set of hands, have then loosen/tighten the bolts from on top while you place the socket on the bolts from underneath.

You can see pics here...http://my.att.net/p/s/community.dll?...pid=404015&ck=

 

I changed mine not long ago. Mine had bolts with a 1/2 inch hex head and 1/4 inch allen head bolt. You can't use a 1/2" socket because something is to close to the bolts (I can't remember what it was ) but I got a long 1/4" screwdriver bit and ground the screwdriver part off, slid it into a 1/4" socket (if you have a 1/4" allen socket you wouldn't have to do that) with a 6" extension. I did mine all by feel cause you can't see anything due to the firewall, and it wasn't a big deal. I may have had to take out the bellhousing bolt holding the tranny dipstick too. It seems like it was in the way.

 

Oops! Donnyrob is correct, the bolts have an allen head cut into them, not a torx. Sorry about that.

 

If it is anything like the 5.9 you will need a very long hex wrench, I struggled with different positions for several hours trying to get a good attack position on it. It's just in a crappy spot plain and simple cant see the bolts you are going after and buried back by the firewall.

 

do the bolts go into the fire wall, the block or the tranny. this little sensor has me beyond confused

 

block.... right at the edge where the tranny bellhousing bolts up...

This is where I was thankful to have my body lift...

 

The block. Get a small mirror , you'll see it better. Not gonna try unscrewing the o2 huh?

 

The body lift saved my life