Yeah, if it's that tight you may have no choice but to drop the pipes down a bit. So, are you experiencing symptoms of poor sensor performance?
Or is it just a maintenance thing?
12 Years seems like time to redo the sensors, but in my experience they last indefinitely if the motor is in good shape and doesn't foul them. If you can access the system, and monitor the reaction time, you can pretty well diagnose them.

DG