1999 Dakota 5.2 O2 sensor replacement

[ClutchDisc]

Hey everyone working on a 1999 Dakota with the 5.2 V8 for my older neighbor. I only found two O2 sensors on it, which is what the internet seems to agree on too. Guy at the parts store told him there were three. I think they are wrong though as I cannot find another.

Also, any tips for removing the upstream sensor? Its in a horrible location next to the transmission pan. I am going to try back at it again another day and probably add some heat this time. Downstream sensor came out okay but took a lot of force with my breaker bar. It helped that there was a good angle on that one.

 

[D60]

Different gen but we did a '93 recently with 5.2. A flex head ratchet and crow foot O2 socket got it done

 

[The_Jeff]

I've had my best luck with them slightly warm. Like start the engine, pull the vehicle up on ramps, shut it down, climb underneath, get it out. I just use an open end wrench about 14" long and a hammer on the far end. If you're committed, cut the wires and use the box end.

 

[vwmaniaman]

I have had the best luck getting mine out with a impact side open socket.

 

[ClutchDisc]

Yeah there is no way an impact is going on this in the spot that it is in. Absolutely horrible design placement. If I could have gotten an impact on it, that would have been one of my first choices.

Interesting thought on the hammer. I could try that but not sure how well it would work with the angle I have to work with.

 

[ClutchDisc]

I found an O2 sensor socket that is longer and would extend the area that you use to attach the wrench or breaker bar away from the exhaust pipe, it might actually make it so my impact would work. I ordered it and will give it a try.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Does it look like this?


It looks like you can use a crow foot and a breaker bar and a cheater bar

California emissions seems to have 4, while federal has 2.

And put some anti seize on the new sensors

 

[ClutchDisc]

Yes it looks like that one in the video. The new O2 sensors have anti seize so that is good. I am hoping the longer O2 socket will allow my impact to work on it.

 

[D60]

You can never have too many O2 socket options. Anytime you see even a slight variation you don't own, buy it and add it to the collection.

Let us know how you do!

 

[Chris142]

Also, any tips for removing the upstream sensor? Its in a horrible location next to the transmission pan.

Watched that video. Looks pretty easy. Use a 7/8 wrench?

 

[D60]

Does it look like this?


It looks like you can use a crow foot and a breaker bar and a cheater bar

California emissions seems to have 4, while federal has 2.

And put some anti seize on the new sensors

I have that same Chinese brand on the shelf that I bought for a beater but never used. I see they still haven't learned to spell. My box also declares "Berrer Engine Performance"

I wish I could have grabbed a berrer view, but this was the best screenshot I could get from the vid:

 

[zhaarnak02]

I've had my best luck with them slightly warm. Like start the engine, pull the vehicle up on ramps, shut it down, climb underneath, get it out. I just use an open end wrench about 14" long and a hammer on the far end. If you're committed, cut the wires and use the box end.

TOTALLY agree. Cut the pigtail off and use a box end wrench or deep socket.

 

[ClutchDisc]

I am pretty sure a 7/8 inch wrench isn’t going to get it off. I think it is original to the truck and it is rusty too.

I agree on never having too many O2 sensor socket variations. I used this as an excuse to upgrade my set to a better set. I will let you all know how it goes when I get a chance to try it again.

 

[zhaarnak02]

I am pretty sure a 7/8 inch wrench isn’t going to get it off. I think it is original to the truck and it is rusty too.

I agree on never having too many O2 sensor socket variations. I used this as an excuse to upgrade my set to a better set. I will let you all know how it goes when I get a chance to try it again.

Do you have a torch to heat up the bung with? that should help. Good Luck!! "May the Force be with you" (Sorry, I dont know what came over me, actually I am going to blame it on grandpa "Palpy" )

 

[ClutchDisc]

So nothing is working, tried heat and multiple different tools. Even tried my impact. But coming from underneath and the bad angle it wouldn’t budge. After inspecting the pipe more and seeing that the flange that connects to the manifolds is gone on each side, I recommend a replacement of the Y pipe to fix both of those as well as get a new O2 sensor in it. He agreed and so that will be the plan of action here.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

So nothing is working, tried heat and multiple different tools. Even tried my impact. But coming from underneath and the bad angle it wouldn’t budge. After inspecting the pipe more and seeing that the flange that connects to the manifolds is gone on each side, I recommend a replacement of the Y pipe to fix both of those as well as get a new O2 sensor in it. He agreed and so that will be the plan of action here.

Get a 304 Y-pipe, if one is available

 

[ClutchDisc]

What benefits does a 304 Y pipe offer?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

What benefits does a 304 Y pipe offer?

304 doesn't rust

 

[ClutchDisc]

Oh haha I thought you meant it was from a 304 Dodge V8. See how much I know about Dodges

In reality whatever goes on there is the last pipe / O2 sensor change this truck will probably ever see. Judging by the rust on the vehicle.

 

[Mazomopar]

On the last chunk of dodge one of my kids owned, he had a sensor that wouldn't budge after all the tricks. Used a step bit to drill a hole right next door and tack welded in a new 4 dollar bung and popped in new sensor. Left the old one in for eternity. Which was about a year.