Dropping gas tank in '97 ranger: fuel lines & filler hose...

[nadsab]

Hi,

Can the gas tank be dropped with out disconnecting the fuel filler hose and the tank fuel lines?

I need to replace the tank holding straps...

This is for a 2.3 liter RWD step side...

Thanks anyone.

 

[clifford97]

cant you just place a jack to hold the tank in place so you don't have to drop anything? just a thought

 

[nadsab]

Hi,

Yes I was thinking about doing that, only problem is even if I jack it up as far as it will go, it does not appear that I will be able to get between the frame and the tank to remove - install the new strap...

...I just measured... from the bed underside to the top of the tank I have 5" of clearance but the bottom of the tank projects 8" below the frame so I would need to jack up the tank at least 8 or 9 inches in order to get to the t strap hanger box...

 

[wahlstrom1]

Remove the driveshaft (after securely blocking the truck) and use blocking and the jack to slightly lower the tank while moving it towards the center of the truck. You won't have to go far to remove and replace the straps.

 

[killacal]

Remove the driveshaft (after securely blocking the truck) and use blocking and the jack to slightly lower the tank while moving it towards the center of the truck. You won't have to go far to remove and replace the straps.

X2. I suspect that you may have to loosen the filler neck as well... but you should have plenty of room to get that strap out.

 

[nadsab]

The drive shaft is not in the way of the tank, the tank is long and narrow and runs parallel fo the drive shaft...it seems I could slide the tank backwards without the drive shaft being a problem, but...

Do I still need to take the drive shaft out?

...but, the axle IS in the way, the tank would butt up against the axle when slid backwards and would not clear the strap hanger box on the inside (tank side) of the frame...

 

[wahlstrom1]

You don't need to move the tank back, but away from the frame to get the strap out from behind it. The straps will come out after they are loose and you can rotate them about 90*. I've dropped my tank a few times, bolting through the frame, fuel pump.....running drill bits though the fuel lines......UGH.....

 

[nadsab]

Ah I get it...

How far towards the drive shaft would I need to move the tank?

I am just trying to replace the rear strap which has rusted through, the front strap is still there...I got the rear strap bolt out OK...

I'm just wondering how far into the frame the gas tank goes - in other words how far molded into the frame it is...it seems the tank is being held by the frame on the driver side anyway, because it's molded into it to fit in the inside channel of the frame...

...also when moving the tank would dis connecting fuel lines on top of the tank be necessary? Or are they long enough to stay on the tank when moved?

 

[killacal]

Ah I get it...

How far towards the drive shaft would I need to move the tank?

I am just trying to replace the rear strap which has rusted through, the front strap is still there...I got the rear strap bolt out OK...

I'm just wondering how far into the frame the gas tank goes - in other words how far molded into the frame it is...it seems the tank is being held by the frame on the driver side anyway, because it's molded into it to fit in the inside channel of the frame...

...also when moving the tank would dis connecting fuel lines on top of the tank be necessary? Or are they long enough to stay on the tank when moved?

Last time I did one of these fuel tanks I recal being able to pull it almost a ft closer to the D.S. Realistically I think you're only going to need a couple of inches. If I remember correctly you'll need to support the tank with a jack a few inches lower than when it's mounted (need clearance for sending unit)... but it's very simple, and shouldn't take you more than an hr.

 

[nadsab]

killacal thanks...

Did you have to disconnect the fuel lines going into the top of the tank?

 

[killacal]

To replace the strap you shouldn't have to remove any fuel lines... They're strain relieved pretty far away from the tank so you should have plenty of room to remove the tank strap(s).

 

[nadsab]

OK thanks killacal,

I think my only problem then is the fuel filler hose, at the factory they put the hose clamp in a position where the driver slot faces forward towards the front of the bed, so I can't get a screw driver in there to take it off – not enough clearance.

Did you take your filler hose off from inside of the filler cap door? Or from inside of the fender?

 

[killacal]

OK thanks killacal,

I think my only problem then is the fuel filler hose, at the factory they put the hose clamp in a position where the driver slot faces forward towards the front of the bed, so I can't get a screw driver in there to take it off – not enough clearance.

Did you take your filler hose off from inside of the filler cap door? Or from inside of the fender?

I remember that being kind of a PITA. I remember having to take it off at the tank... I want to say I loosened the tank first, and it gave me enough room to stick my arm in, and loosen the filler neck.

 

[nadsab]

OK thanks.