Just went through this but I had another reason for pulling the intake. My pmd had been mounted but not used for 3 years (will not damage driver unless its plugged in/operating). Had a remote driver that I've been using. If you removing intake just for the driver thats already overheating then I would think twice.
You must use a heat sink, however the original type of sink are suspect as part of the problem with overheating. Instead use "Non-Silicone Heat Transfer Compound" it was developed and is used for building hi temp computers and mounting of components. The manufacturer is MG Chemicals. Can be bought at Mouser Electronic 800-346-6873. p/n 590 861060g
Cost less than a pad.
Michael

 

Thankyou very much for the advice, the pmd was not overrheating, my truck never gets over 180 and it was always just warm, never hot. I relocated it because I was adding resistors in harness and I didn't want mess with trying to fit everytthing in that tight space. I used a 8x8 aluminum plate with heatsink and thermal paste mounted in front of a vent hole. It doesn't get over ambient temp now, even after the truck is turned off

 

just because your temps don't get over 180 has nothing to do with heat with PMD it engine heat under hood that kills them just take some temp reading under the hood after driving it

 

Yes I am aware of this. If the coolant temp is aound 180, the pmd was about 110 degrees when it was mounted on the pump. Now it doesn't go above ambient temp.