Hi Jeff,

Your solution to mounting an O2 sensor is fine.  Ideally you want to mount it
as close to the stock location as possible so the exhaust gases are the same temp
as they are in the OE system.

There is no difference between the crimp on and the OE sensors.  I'd get
crimp and save the money for pizza, but that's me.  "Value driven"

The one thing that is weird is that if there is no O2 sensor in the circuit,
the van should run OK.  Not great, but OK.  So you might have another issue
there:  First, make sure the O2 sensor wire is NOT grounded or attached to
anything.  Then, maybe look at your temp sensor or your AFM flappy thing to
make sure they are OK.  If your O2 sensor wire is touching anything it will
tell the computer the engine is running lean.  The wire has to be flopping in
the breeze or taped up or something.

tabe johnson/87 westy