87 BII 4X4 In-tank fuel pump replacement?

[markinms]

After 33 years I'm going to be replacing the in-tank fuel pump on my 87 BII. I've been researching what all I need to do but have found very little "comprehensive" info on how to do it.

I'd welcome any guidance or pointers that would help me get this done as painless as possible.

Also, I've read were some folks cut an access door above the tank making changing the pump much easier. Any thoughts on going this route?

I appreciate your feedback!

Thanks!
Mark

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I cut an access panel. Much easier than dropping the tank. I cut a patch panel 4" bigger from a wrecked truck bed. There may still be pics in one of my old build threads. Same b2 that i used for plowing.

 

[adsm08]

Mine has the big skid plate under the tank. Not sure if that is standard or not.

I have had the pump out a few times, and the tank only once. I removed the front bolts of the skid plate, loosened the rear bolts, removed the strap bolts, and that lets the front of the tank hang down far enough that the pump can be accessed and brought out over the axle.

 

[duffy]

I also cut an access hole and made a cover plate for it. Dropping fuel tanks is NOT fun and mine also has a skid plate to remove. Pretty easy to remove the assembly, use a hammer and punch to loosen the retaining ring, remove wires and hoses. The pump/gauge assembly comes out with a little jiggling.

 

[markinms]

I also have the skid plate under the tank and am concerned about rusted bolts. I really like the idea of creating an access hole to get to the fuel pump.

For those that made an access hole, how did you determine where to cut and what did you use to cut it? Also, how big of a hole?

Thanks for your help!
Mark

 

[Paulos]

I found it was easier to remove the bed. Six bolts holding the bed down, 3 small screws at the filler pipe, and an electrical connector near the bumper. Doing it by yourself is a pain if you don't have an engine hoist and a little cable, but I have carefully moved the bed back far enough to access the sending unit by myself.
I liked the idea of easy access by creating an access panel, but I didn't want to cut the bed.

 

[JerryC]

A couple of things:
Get a new lock ring for the fuel pump/sending unit. The shop that did mine reused the old ring and threw away the new ring I gave them. The tank leaked at every fill up for the first 50 miles or so. The old ring was noticeably flatter and would not stay tight. (you'll know what I mean when see one)
While you are there replace the vent valve and gasket on the top of the tank. the gasket will dry rot and leak fumes.
My NOS Ford Brass float filled up with gas in about three weeks. I replaced it with a plastic float.

 

[Paulos]

Sorry, I forgot that you have a B2 .

 

[JerryC]

I also have the skid plate under the tank and am concerned about rusted bolts. I really like the idea of creating an access hole to get to the fuel pump.

For those that made an access hole, how did you determine where to cut and what did you use to cut it? Also, how big of a hole?

Thanks for your help!
Mark

here you go: https://www.broncocorral.com/forums/index.php?threads/in-tank-fuel-pump-replacement.138850/#post-1357386