So I flipped the oil pan with sump in front (to clear axle interference issues with my build), and replaced the oil pickup tube to match. But while I was putting the oil pan back in I noticed that I had to relocate the oil dipstick, so I punched out the cap plug that is toward the front, so I could put the oil dipstick there later.

After tucking everything up, it was time to remove the oil dipstick and move it to the front. Problem is the dipstick won't come off, not as easy as the transmission dipstick. The tube is plastic and if I pried/pulled it any harder I was afraid it would break. And even if the plastic came off, there is a metal tubing stub peened into the block. Am I supposed to reuse the metal stub or cap it and buy a new one for the front?

If anyone has done this, relocating the oil dipstick, I'd appreciate if you'd share any tricks.

 

You can heat the plastic tube and pull it off. Then work the little pipe out.

OR

You could probably drive it out with a punch from underneath if you had the pan off.

 

Or leave it and get another dip stick?

 

yeah, I'll check with my local Cummins dealer on Monday and if it doesn't cost too much I'll leave the rear tube and install a new one up front.