1983 Ranger Fuel Sending Unit Options

[figwig]

I'm working on converting to the Holley Sniper EFI system and I'm trying to take out the fuel sending unit to drill into it and make a fuel return. Problem is, the thing won't come out. It sits directly in the gap between the cab and bed, and so water has fallen on it for 40 years and has caused it to fuse with the tank and locking ring. I've destroyed most of the tabs on the locking ring trying to get it off and wanted to check with you all before i really dig myself into a hole. I was thinking of just cutting through it all and probably destroying the sender just to get it out but i can't find a replacement anywhere. Looks like my options are to retrofit a bronco 2 or 1985 ranger sending unit OR just get a new tank and fuel sender from a different year. Anything i should be wary of with a new tank if i get one from an 85-89? Or does anyone know of other possible solutions?

I know i can probably just drill to the side of the sending unit and place the return but was hoping to remove the sender to clean the tank so it doesn't explode on me. Also wanted to clean the sender because the fuel gauge is always showing 1/4 full - empty.

 

[SenorNoob]

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to swap to a newer tank and sending unit. (Up to 88, then the gauge range changed.)

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to swap to a newer tank and sending unit. (Up to 88, then the gauge range changed.)

Then convert to a high pressure in tank pump for the EFI, two birds once stone.

That is what I did for my EFI conversion.

Post in thread 'Aces Killshot Fusion EFI Conversion'

Aug 25, 2026

Reserved

• 85_Ranger4x4

 

[SenorNoob]

I did the same. Though I have longer starting times when below 1/4 tank... It had shown up before that. Really thinking I may need a fuel pressure regulator.

 

[figwig]

I've already got the fuel kit with the external pump and pre and post filters. If i also do the in tank pump i may accidentally cut the carburetor in half with the pressure or maybe the filtration process makes it act as a pseudo regulator. @85_Ranger4x4 Do you have a link to the one you purchased just to save myself the headache of making sure what i get fits an 85-88 tank, if i go that route? Thanks for the replies fellas

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I've already got the fuel kit with the external pump and pre and post filters. If i also do the in tank pump i may accidentally cut the carburetor in half with the pressure or maybe the filtration process makes it act as a pseudo regulator. @85_Ranger4x4 Do you have a link to the one you purchased just to save myself the headache of making sure what i get fits an 85-88 tank, if i go that route? Thanks for the replies fellas

Precision from O'Reilly for a '86 Ranger, it already has a return line made into it. I swapped in a Kemso 225 pump for a '89 Ranger.

Holley Sniper requires higher pressure than a carb, IIRC around 55psi. That is what my Aces runs also. You can install the pump on the hanger, leave the high pressure pump alone/not power it and pull fuel thru it with a inline pump if you are in limbo and still running a carb until you are ready to plumb in new lines and everything for the high pressure for the fuel injection.

If you replace the hanger assembly with a later one you will need to replace the sender pigtail, you only have two wires and the later pump hanger will have four.