Crankshaft Position Sensor. 99 Dodge Ram 5.9L V8

I have a P0340 code and just replaced the camshaft position sensor or sometimes called pick-up coil on this 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L V8. The CPS itself was pain since the distributor is way on the back of the engine

I was wondering about the crankshaft position sensor and I might want to replace it as well. My question is the CKPS accessible and can I see it from the top?

Instruction states:

(1) Remove the air cleaner intake tube.
(2) Disconnect crankshaft position sensor pigtail harness from main wiring harness.
(3) Remove two sensor (recessed hex head) mounting bolts.
(4) Remove sensor from engine.

I can't seem see the CKPS. Is there something blocking my view to that CKPS?

Thanks.

its usually easier from the bottom...passenger side near bell housing

Update:


Thanks for the reply. I was able to see the CKPS from the bottom.

I am unable to reach the the CKPS with my hand due to the exhaust pipe. I may be able to get to the CKPS if I drop the exhaust pipes but instead I accessed the CKPS from the top of the engine by feel. At least I was able to see the CKPS from the bottom and I have an idea what to expect when I access the CKPS from the top of the engine.

Here's my journey in replacing the CKPS on my 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L V8.

http://members.fortunecity.com/slade901/automobile/Replace_CKPS_1999_Dodge_Ram.zip

I have driven the truck for a couple of weeks now after replacing the Crankshaft Position sensor, camshaft position sensor (under the distributor cap), I don't experience engine surging around 40mph anymore.

I was informed that I have to replace my plenum gasket and I was given a quote of $900 plus to replace it by the shop ???

I found the link to properly route the spark plug wires including the ignition coil wire. It did make a difference a little bit but vehicle still surges around 40mph and above 60mph.

What I noticed before that my oil is becoming thinner even after getting the oil change done. It is due to the misfire and extra fuel dumping into the crank case. When I merge into the Interstate going uphill, I have to be very easy with my gas pedal otherwise, the engine will knock (oil starvation) big time (very loud). Going easy with gas pedal when merging into the Interstate is very dangerous as I am not able to speed up to match the speed of the vehicles on the Interstate.

I have been replacing my spark plugs like every 6 months and distributor cap, distributor rotor every 6 months thinking that It is the way my Dodge Truck wants due to misfires.

After I replaced the CKPS, CPS (inside the distributor), I don't have anymore misfires, no more knocking (oil starvation). I can gun down my gas pedal when merging into the Interstate and no more knocking.

Just want to help other folks that have experience problem similar to my vehicle.

blown plenum very common for 5.2/5.9 with the kegger intake.

a blown out plenum gasket can cause knock/tapping on acceleration ... get a Hughes Plenum kit (its all aluminum - unlike the steel OEM pan - so it expands/contracts with temperature at same rate as your intake therefore it won't tear your gasket apart.

kit is $100, it is NOT difficult to replace yourself! print out the TSBs I mention (wire routing, plenum) and get a chilton/haynes or alldatadiy subscription that will hold your hand thru the procedure.

get the TSB (09-05-00) as it has the proper torque sequence. you'll need a small torque wrench (0-100 INCH/POUNDS) to ensure proper torque.

be careful rerouting your spark plug wires or you'll wind up with crossfire and then misfire... there is a TSB specifically for wire routing.

id replace the plugs (possible oil fouling) followed by a seafoam cleaning (thru the brake line) case you got carbon buildup in the cylinders from the oil