Anybody have any words of wisdom for dropping the tank? I think I have the early 99 problem of a crimped line and want to inspect and install new pumps while I'm at it. Basically I would like to do this in my garage with my floor jack and stands.. any advice? TIA

 

It's easy.
1. raise back of truck as high as you can.
2. disconnect fuel tank to fill rubber hose clamp with 8mm socket and rachet with extension.
3. disconnect fuel tank vent hose clamp with 8mm socket and rachet and extension.
4. place floor jack under tank.
5. disconnect 2 straps holding tank up with 13mm socket and rachet and extension.
6. remove top of tank using 8mm socket and rachet to remove the six bolts.(where several wires enter tank along with fuel lines.) You don't have to disconnect fuel lines if you raise vehicle high enough.
7. don't tighten lines too tight, but you have to get them tight enough.
8. reverse the steps to reinstall tank.

Shouldn't take more than an hour. It is easiest if you go about 40 miles after fuel level low light turns on.

 

The other step which is much easier, unless you have a bedliner is to lift the bed. It is much easier to lift the bed, disconnect tail light harness, disconnect fill tube and remove 6 torqs bolts on bed. We have all the tools (Tank jack) needed for the job and when we can we just lift bed, much easier much cleaner.

 

Just watched this happen over at REM, make sure you have less than a 1/2 tank or you'll be cleaning.

 

I bet that way would be easy, smeazy....

 

Not a problem if you lift the bed

 

My advice is to pay some one to do it! you can spend your time and skin doing it in your garage on jackstands or pay someone who has the equiptment to do it! The job for a good mech. sould take him no more than a hour,though youll pay for 2 (min) hours for his time. Lifting the bed isnt as quick as you might think. Ive done both! and because Im a mech. I choose to drop the tank.
I also have a lift, tank jack, tools and experience to do so!

But if you are going to doit the hard way, heres what ya need to do!
1.) Lift the truck as high as you can
2.) Remove drive shaft (4 12mm-12p bolts) use paint to mark OE location.
3.)loosen the 2 filler hoses (8mm/ 5/16th's)
4.) Place jack under tank
5.) remove straps (15mm) bolts, twist 90* and remove.
6.) Lower tank-slowly
7.) Disconnect wiring harness, vapor hoses (2) and the feed and return hose quick connects ( sp. tools available at most auto stores)
8.) Remove the 6 8mm bolts (torx centers)
9.) R/R pumps
10.) Reverse proc.

This takes me about 40 min.s start to finish...but I have a rack,tools and experience at it.
I hope this helps

Scott

 

I've only dropped my tank maybe 5 times. Takes less than 1/2 hour to do it for me on my back with jack stands while lying on a sheet of card board. So the average guy should take less than an hour.
It really is very simple. I'm not a mechanic, but I do use an air rachet to get the 13mm bolts holding the tank straps.

 

yep easter they are 13mm my bad just thinking the average size whenI was Typing. 40 min. is from driving or pushing into stall, racking, R&R pumps,test driving and rechecking for leaks!...time is money!
BTW almost every time I do it there is a full tank to deal with!

Very soon there will be an alternative to the Gen II fuel system!
OBD II compliant and can fuel up to 1400HP!

Scott

 

2 words comming from someone thats done it a million times. EMPTY TANK!

 

LMAO!! how many times does that happen? it seems every time a pump fails and I get the ticket.....that Damn tanks full!..go figure?

Scott

PS been a wrench since 84' and know what your sayin!