Zelephant

The darn thing won't come off! I started at a 24mm socket, then a 25mm, then a 27mm, which was too big. So then I tried a 1" (too small) and then a 1 1/16" (too big). How did you guys get this stupid thing off? There's no room between the engine and the frame to get a wrench or channel locks in there. When searching old threads, I found some ambiguous references to an obscure plumbing wrench that does the job, but nothing specific.

93YotaGuy

I normally get it off with a channel locks. Have you tried going through the passengers side wheel well and removing the access panel?

paintthetown

iTrader: (1)

Did you get under the truck and look up at the unit. Take the black cover off and you should be able get a 14mm wrench in between the unit and the block. Hope that was what your looking for.

Zelephant

That's what I've been doing. It looked like the only way to do it. I didn't even try going from underneath, I took it for granted the diff was in the way.

So, the old unit has the hex head on the back like the new one does? Did not know that. All the searching I did said you have to put a socket over the outside. I'll give that a try!

EDIT: Are you sure the DLX switch has a hex head on the back, because I couldn't find one. And I don't know if I know what you mean by "looking up at the unit". The diff is DIRECTLY beneath it, I have no idea how to get at it from underneath, but I'm open to suggestions.

Bassmastry101

iTrader: (1)

Go at it from the side..I couldn't get mine off with a wrench either...I had to use a big pair of channel locks and a little elbow grease.

Zelephant

I'll give that a try tomorrow, but I gotta ask, do you have AC? Because the sender is flanked by the starter on one side and AC compressor on the other, I have to wonder if I'll be able to fit a set of channel locks in there.

Bassmastry101

iTrader: (1)

Yes I have AC, It was a tight fit..Doing this might also destroy the sending unit since it bends the case a little. But it will get it off.

paintthetown

iTrader: (1)

We need a pic

93YotaGuy

Why not try and unmount the AC compressor from the bracket. It's about 3-4 bolts and you could push it out of the way to give you more room.

Zelephant

A pic you shall have:

I marked the sensor in orange parenthesis.
Another factor I forgot about is the motor mount, that's in the way, too.
And I absolutely do not care if I destroy the sensor, so long as it comes off and doesn't snap off in the block.

93YotaGuy

You could have probably done without the pic. Bass and I know what you are talking about although paint may not.

93YotaGuy

Another thought,

It may give you a little more clearance with the pliers/channel locks if you unscrew the filter

Junkers88

Strange. IIRC I did mine from underneath with an open ended wrench. I remember having to deal with the oil dripping on me while I installed the SR5 sending unit.

Bassmastry101

iTrader: (1)

Take that bar off that goes from the intake to the motor mount. I never put mine back on..so that's probably why I had the clearance to take the stock sensor off.

Bassmastry101

iTrader: (1)

Make sure you put it back on though lol

iamsuperbleeder

it's much easier when the motor is out of the truck; just say'n






if I'm not mistaken though, I think I used an O2 sensor socket to get the original non-SR5 one off... I THINK... it's been a few years

Swimmerboy2112

iTrader: (2)

I did mine around this time last year, it was snowing, not fun...

Anyway, I removed the little access panes under the passenger fender and if I recall correctly, used a set of channel locks to twist mine off. Granted it did damage the old unit but I was ok with it since I obviously had the new sending unit.

P.S. I assume the cluster I shipped you made it up ok?

Zelephant

Yep, it's installed in the truck now! Thanks again! Everything works except the oil pressure, obviously, and before anyone asks, I did NOT leave the stock sender plugged in. I have pics of it just before the install in my build thread, I'll upload more of the white LED backlight later.

I'm pulling 12-hour work days right now. Getting the old sensor out is gonna have to wait until Christmas Eve.

Bassmastry101

iTrader: (1)

I have to say bleeder, that is one sexy engine. Makes me want to take mine back out so I can get crazy with some paint lol!

paintthetown

iTrader: (1)

X2 with that sexy engine. I want mine in camo. LOL