Oil dipstick missing?
 

I went to check the engine oil on my 96 12 valve tonight. No dipstick!!! Either the end broke off and the rod is down the tube, or someone stole it (probably the former). I will pull the tube and look to see if it is in there. The only one I found for sale is at Gino's for $70. All of them on ebay are for later models. I can get one on ebay for $11 that fits a 2002 & up. That one is 47" long. How long is the one on a '96? I would change the oil and make a new full mark on the $11 stick to save $60. Anyone know where I can get the right dipstick for a better price?

I have a '96. I'm estimating slightly on how much to allow for the thickness on the stop-cap on the dipstick that covers the end of the tube, but any difference from reality there shouldn't be significant (like 1/64" to 1/32") . That being said, the end of my dipstick would be 46-3/8" down into the tube, and the safe zone ranges between 3-1/4" to 4-1/2" from the bottom of the dipstick. I hope that makes sense.

Maybe you should ask @oliver foster - he may have a truck from your year on the butcher's block.

I bet I could dig up a used dip stick or most any other part you could need for that '96.

Thanks Texas. That info is just what I needed. I will look for the right one at a decent price. If I can't find one I will modify one using your information.

A follow up. The least expensive dipstick I came across was $40 plus shipping. It is just not in my DNA to pay $40 for a silly little strip of metal. Maybe I'm cheap (well, I know I am cheap), but that just seems wrong. I managed to fish my old dipstick out. The handle had indeed broke off. I attached a small wire clamp (the kind they use on 240 V electric motors to connect the leads) to use as a handle on the old one. It certainly won't come off and will work just fine until I can either find new dipstick for a decent price or figure out how to make a more aesthetically pleasing handle. Texas, your dimensions were right on.

I'm glad the measurements were accurate!

I'm having trouble envisioning the kind of wire clamp you used. I can't see a wirenut working for that, and "clamp" wouldn't describe it. Can you post a pic?

Glad you got the dipstick out and found an interim solution.

I used one of these guys I had laying around:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.die...2f714d5c9b.png
I had to file the width of the opening out just a bit so the blade would lay flat in the groove; and clamped it on. It ain't going anywhere and works fine, but isn't the most beautiful dipstick handle you will ever see.

Ah, cool - thanks. Great improvisation.

It may not be the most "beautiful", but it will get a nice coloring or verdigris... LOL Aren't you worried about dissimilar metal reaction? Just kidding! :)

I see advertisements on TV all the time about how copper laced socks, gloves and jockstraps will turn you into a super-stud athlete like Brett Fabre. Maybe it will add a few HP to my truck?

Only if you pair it with a chrome dipstick and dipstick tube. ;) I've seen those commercials too.