Hi. I need some help with my 94' c1500 5.7L. I'm trying to do some maintenance to my truck so that I can get some better gas mileage. I can't figure out how to replace the pick-up coil? I took the Dist. cap off and the rotor already but I can't figure out how to get the next piece off which I believe is a dust cap. It is metal and a brass color. I can see the pickup coil right underneath it but can't get to it.

I heard that replacing it will give better gas mileage. Is that true. My truck has 166,000miles. I also have new rotor, cap, and wires.

I'm in a bind because I already started the project but can't finish it. Help

You need to pull the distributor, remove the drive gear (knock out the roll pin) and pull the shaft out. I replaced the pickup coil in my '88 last summer. It was fairly easy. Just make sure you use a new roll pin, don't try to cheat with the old one (which I usually deform getting out anyway.) As far as getting better gas mileage, I don't know. My pickup coil was just deteriorated from age and basically fell apart in my hands as I removed it (truck was missing badly at temperature.)

Is there anyway to do it without taking the distributor out. I originally tried taking the distributor out but I can't loosen the hold down bolt. I was using a distributor wrench and everything. It won't budge and I can't afford to break something.

Sorry the only way to change pickup coil is to remove the distributor.
Sometimes you can get to the hold down bolt with a flex socket available at most parts stores. Don't try a socket along with a flex joint it will be too tall to fit under the distributor base.

I've found a crow's foot works well since you can put a small pull handle on it with an extension if needed.

Thanks for the info. I couldn't get the distributor out so looks like I have a spare part. I will probably try again when I replace intake gasket down later on.