Replace camshaft sensor?

[LVExp]

My '96 V8 X just started throwing P0340 so i picked up a new cam shaft sensor at autozone and hit the forum to find the sensor location and instruction. I keep reading about a tool needed to line everything up. Is that tool for replacing just the sensor or the camshaft synchronizer?

Where on the '96 V8 is the sensor located? My hynes book shows one location, posts on the forum another, and autozone has no information.

 

[crunchie_frog]

Hi,
The camshaft position sensor is right where the distributor used to be. the sensor sits on top of the synchronizer which is down in the distributor hole. I think a special tool is needed for the synchronizer but not the sensor.

 

[SoNic67]

Before you do anything read the sticky thread about code P0340 above because:

1. It might be a bad alternator screwing with the sensor indication.
2. The Dorman syncronizer (the whole shaft, "made in China" stamped on it, comes with syncro tool) is a POS. Since the shaft moves also the oil pump you don't waht to go cheap there. You need the "real thing" by Ford (rockauto with the cupon code from here on forum).
NAPA sells the same chinese POS under a different name. I am almost sure that Autozone has the same supplier. I did even try to install the NAPA one and it wouldn't gear in. The one ordered from rockauto slided in no problem.