2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fuel tank maint.

[BoeingDiesel]

I’m thinking it’s time to do some in tank maintenance on my ’99. The fuel tank has never been opened and now the fuel gauge rarely gives an accurate reading. Question is which is the better of the two; dropping the tank from below or lifting the bed off? I know I’ve read something about this in past threads but no luck in doing a thread search. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

gregg

 

[JMcCoy]

I have not done it myself (yet). It seems to be the common consensus that lifting the bed is the easiest. It is also a good time to inspect or change your brake lines. also, don't forget to remove the spare to reduce the weight of the bed. Good luck

 

[BarryG]

While I have not raised the bed I have dropped the tank many times. If the tank is empty or very low on fuel it is relatively simple and easy to do. It is only two bolts, a couple hose clamps and disconnecting the dorman fittings as well as disconnecting the electrical connector. I feel it is easier to work on it when I can put it up on my bench and do whatever needs to be done. Again I have not raised the bed so I have no real comparison but did not find it difficult to drop the tank.



I know when I first dropped mine I was pleasantly suprised at how clean it was inside at 175k. There was virtually nothing in it. However I have seen pictures of tanks that were definitely dirty inside.



Sounds like your sending unit is going. Do yourself a favor to keep from having to tear into it again do the research on here for a fix to your sending unit while in there.

 

[The patriot]

I'm doing this right now, to get to a busted brake line.

The weather we have right now isnt the best for this job. I had a coleman camp light under there just to attempt to get the filler and vent line a little pliable.

I know the tank was full when I started this,(s*** like this dont ever happen when it's empty) but all I could get out of it was about 32 gallons. Which will add to the suck factor.

 

[Harlacher]

I have done it both ways. Dropping the tank is "much" easier. With pulling the bed you add splices to wiring and the chance of dinging it when taking it off and putting it back on. Dropping a fairly empty tank is really not that hard. My truck is a 99 also. This is all in my humble opinion, i know a lot of people say lifting the bed is easier.

 

[JTruelove]

Fuel tank maint

It also depends if you have a gooseneck in the bed. I have a drawtie in mine, so lowering the tank was much easier.

 

[JLandry]

Ditto on the recommendation to drop the tank.



I lowered mine using a couple of ratchet straps... one near each end of the tank... to gradually lower it down and raise it back into place. It was a piece of cake.



Reaching up and removing the Dorman fittings on the fuel lines without being able to clearly see what you're doing can seem a bit tricky if you've never done it before. Do a search here on dropping fuel tanks for some good posts on what these fittings look like and how the little catches work. Once you know what to do they pop off very easy... absolutely no need to force or break anything.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[JMetzger]

I would think that it would be much easier to drop the tank especially if you have a camper shell like I do. IMHO

 

[JTruelove]

Fuel tank maint

Removing the drive shaft makes it a lot easier to remove the fuel lines:-laf

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Thanks one and all…you just can’t beat the TDR. I think I’ll go with dropping the tank rather than lifting the bed as it kind of sounds like this might just be a little too much of a job for one man. Fortunately, my neighbor is also retired ATP with little to do, might be just the thing, a few beers and get some diesel on the shop floor.