I don't see taking the instrument cluster out and separating the temp. guage in my future... I would likely install an aftermarket gauge first.

I did call LL today and had a good talk with a tech. When I gave him the resistance readings that I had recorded the other day he immediately said they were too high and indicative of a bad sending unit. They are sending a replacement out tomorrow. I will report the new findings next week when the new unit gets here and I get it installed.
Cal