98 Ram 5.9 no oil press UPDATE

The other day, when it got way below zero here, when I started up my 98 Ram I noticed after several seconds that the oil press gauge was still on zero. I tapped on the cluster cover thinking possibly from the cold it might be stuck, it wasn't. I quickly shut it off and got out to look at the oil on the dipstick. It was right on the full mark, as if it had not been running. Im certain that shouldn't be the case, but I decided to start it (yeah I know) and check it while running and it was exactly the same, so I shut it off knowing its not pumping oil. The strange part, to me anyway, is that the motor sounded completely normal, no ticking, knocking or rattling from anywhere. Any other motor ive heard with no oil press it was immediately obvious.
Given its very close to 300K miles, im sure the pump end of the intermediate shaft it worn, possibly to the point where it rounded off that morning with the thick oil from the cold, or it just broke off. QUESTION: Does that sound feasible, and how would I verify that that's what has happened? The only ways I can think of is either pull the pan and drop the pump, or pull the distributor and try to fish out the shaft. Either one is a pain in the backside. If you have any input, suggestions or experiences with this Id REALLY like to hear from you. I need this truck back up soon!
Thanks,
Ken

Put a mechanical gauge on it before you do anything. Pump drives breaking or wearing out is something I've rarely seen unless debris locked up the pump.

Was on snomobile trip back in Northern Wi. back in 1996 during an all time cold snap, and my 360 tbi ramcharger started at -50F, then showed no oil pressure on gauge or light for 4 or 5 minutes. I recall still, thinking shaft had broke, whatever, but it survived and I can guess that the oil just could not get to certain places at those extremes. You might be okay.

Had a 5.2L Durango that randomly showed no oil pressure. No lifter tick, etc. Changed the oil, and months later realized I never had the problem again. Bad filter.

Until you put a mechanical gauge on it you really don't know what the oil pressure is.

Ken...My 95 Ram 1500 did the same thing years ago. It was the sending unit down by the filter. I would put a mechanical gauge on it as suggested to make sure.

Okay, I spent quite a while just getting the old sending unit out, and was getting ready to screw in the fitting for the mechanical gauge and dropped it but it never hit the ground. My luck has not changed. So I was just about to go get another one from the store and thought I would just disconnect the coil and have my son turn the engine over while I watched the whole, which I did, and within probably 3 seconds there was oil coming up out of the hole so I am hopeful, but not convinced that it's just the sending unit but I am going to screw the mechanical gauge in and check it anyway before I buy the new sending unit. Just thought I would drop an update. Thanks for all the replies, even you Ted. LOL
Will update further when I know for sure what I have here.

It was indeed the sending unit that was bad, heres what the mechanical gauge shows at idle. Now just gotta button everything up. Thanks for your input guys, I appreciate it!!

Ken

Got the new sending unit installed in a T fitting along with a mechanical gauge and all is well. About 55 psi cruising warmed up and 25 psi at idle.
Wish I'd had a mechanical gauge all along. Anyway, thanks again guys.

We are all glad to help you Ken!