Engine Coolant Temperature sensor housing

I follow the directions for changing the ECT sensor on a 1997 Ford Explorer 4.0 SOHC. It has two sensors, one for the gauge and one for the engine. Put a deep socket on the sending unit one for the gauge, gave a turn and thought it had broke loose. Apparently, the sensor is screwed into a sleeve inside what appears to be a plastic cover on the base of the thermostat housing. The sensor sleeve appears to have spun inside the plastic cover as I tried to unscrew it. Is this repairable only by replacement from Ford or should this part be available at a parts store, or can it be repaired?
Thanks

can you post a pic of what you are talking about? i just went out and looked at mine, i assume you are talking about the sensor directly behind the thermostat housing? it looks like a normal sensor to me, unplug the connection and just unscrew it? was your socket completly seated on the sensor bolt? pics would help, i know its really tight in there i just changed my thermostat.