Gas Tank Removal Question's ?????

[Gunny]

Hey Guy's, I need to drop the gas tank on my 2001 3500. Need access to the inside of the frame rail to install camper tiedown's. Look's pretty straight forward, Is there anything I need to know about before I drop that puppy? Any body with a little advice I sure could use it. Thanks Gunny

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Make sure its empty. I've dropped tanks before to do sending units, and they have been partially full, and even then they are HEAVY. Pump the thing dry first, then it is waaaay easy.

 

[RJOL]

I was thinking of dropping the tank in mine, this week, so I took a look at the manual. You'll need to disconnect the filler spout. You can see where the screw are when you look up at the filler tube from under the truck. They come out through the filler door. It would be easier to drop it just enough to do your work but if you need to disconnect it, you will need to disconnect the fuel line, return line, and fuel sender connections. If there is any fuel in the tank, use a couple of jacks under each end of the tank to support it while lowering (probably would help to have an extra set of hands to help). Have Fun!!!

 

[Bill Lins]

Gunny, a couple of things:



First, if you can get to where you need to be by taking out the bed bolts and raising either the front or port side of the bed, you'll be WAY ahead compared to lowering the tank.



Secondly, if you MUST drop the tank, let me tell you what I had to do:



Disconnect filler neck/vent pipe assy; drop rear driveshaft and carrier bearing to access the hose and electrical connections on the tank module and the front strap bolt; and bear-hug the tank while using a sharp putty knife to cut the adhesive holding the tank to the upper crossmembers.



As I said, if you can, raise the bed instead! Semper Fi!

 

[HVAC]

Lift The Bed Off

You can take the bed off if you have some help. It's only six bolts on my bed. Then pull the taillight connectors.



Easier to work on the frame that way.

 

[GRudy]

Don't lift the bed!

On a dually it is so simple. I had to drop mine for the same reason only a month after I bought my truck. On a dually you can sit on your butt and stick your head up into the fender from underneath. All the plumbing is right there in plain view. One hose clamp for the fill hose, one for the vent and the two fuel lines are a quick disconnect type setup. I don't remember exactly how they came off but I know there was no tools involved. Almost like the clips on a wire harness plug. I then used a floor jack with a peice of 2 x 12. Had a friend here to help balance the tank. Oh yea, As close to empty a possible.