Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Just pulled off a narrow escape in the installation of the thermocouple on my friend's '97. He's already in the driveway when I get home from work. The EGT project starts at a gallop and 1/2 an hour later were ready to drill the manifold. I point to the spot for him to punch the hole pre-turbo just like I did on my '99. Were drillin' away and we figure we should be getting to China anytime soon. Suddenly I think... . OH @#$&!, there's a divider between the TWO runners! :{ Quick, throw open my hood and there as plain as "dog's balls" is the Off-Center thermo' on my own manifold. :--) I didn't just supervise the screwing up of my truck I had to do my friend the favor!!! Ugh. There was no small indent or ridge like my manifold to remind me of this basic, but important little detail!
We immediately exchange high-fives with this technical revelation and perform the rare and delicate "Oblique Thermocouple" installation that you have only read about but never seen! Incline bit 30 deg. Towards Firewall and exit the manifold divider at full pucker factor! Lovingly insert tap and while steadying it nearly all the way, screw it home to the hilt with a small wrench at this queer angle. .
After removing much filings and cleaning threads we can see that we probably DO have enough meat to securely and with a good seal install the thermo' sleeve. We go for it and the rest is 9:00 PM driveway, diesel mechanics' history!! It works the nuts and NO Leaks... Whew!
Like I said. . Thermocouple narrow escape!! Ha, Ha.
Luckily, my buddy still talks to me.
