Interesting, see, I wasn't kidding free is a good thing......lol. Can you pull the wires out of the splices? If so it wasn't a well done job and you can remediate that.

What you can do is go to a hardware and get some electrical splices, smallest gauge is .18 to .20 I believe. Butt connectors is what they're called. You'll need something to crimp the stripped wire into the butt connector with - I call em T&B's which is who makes em (the best ones). They have cheapo's, ask a clerk if you can't find the crimp pliers. Over the butt connectors you would want to shrink tube them to keep the weather out. Ask about the shrink tubing too. That should temp fix the wire(s) fairly good. The best way is to solder the ends together and then using a weatherproof connector to seal them from the elements, again shrink tubing is best. A lighter works for shrinking but a heat gun is best. Again, we see money entering the picture. I have all of these on hand from various projects and my trade work as an electrician.

 

Nope can't pull the wires apart but from the looks of the tape it is surely a job that was a quick fix and shortcuts were taken. I'll be getting the things you said to re-do the connection. That takes over a $100.00 part off the equation. As far as the oxygen sensor goes i'll be ordering the part next week. I'm seeing a lot of different brands some waaaay cheaper than the others. Is the OEM the best choice or could I get away with going cheaper on the o2 sensor? I'm not a cheapskate but if there is an opportunity to get the same quality product at a lower price I'd much rather go with that one?

 

I'd try to keep with OEM but go white box. Amazon is cheapest besides fleabay and partsgeek.

 

Again man, thanks for all of your help! I'm going to go ahead and order the ultragauge as well.

 

No, thank you for all your attention. I've got the easy part, you've got the hard part. Keep up the good work and you'll have her in shape in no time. You'll be answering questions like a pro soon.