Fuel tank

[97ranger22bronco]

Is it possible to drop the fuel tank on a 1997 XLT without removing the bed without it being becoming a complete hash? OR....does it happen to have a drain plug so I can drain the fuel? I have a pump to siphon fuel out but looking for an easier path. Whatever fuel is in the tank has sat there for 14+ years so....

 

[Terrys87]

I do not know if a 97 has a drain plug. I have seen some tanks that do have a drain plug and I still would not plug the plug.

So much crud builds up on the threads that it can strip the threads or at least mess them up enough to have leaks all the time.

I have pulled enough gas tanks and sometimes you can without lifting the bed, but in most cases the fuel lines are so short it is a real pain in the rear to do that way. I just tilt the bed. depending on where you live, bed bolts can be rusted up bad, but I have become a pro at cutting them off. Not the way I like to, but it is sometimes necessary.

 

[97ranger22bronco]

I don't think that'll be an issue, but now that I said that....maybe i can just slide the bed back some. The truck is in my garage and I don't think my HOA will look kindly to a truck bed sitting in the driveway

 

[superj]

Just take the bolts out and lift the driver side up and support it with a 2x4. Thats what i do. Unhook the tail light wires if they start to get tight though. You dont want to tear those off

 

[Uncle Gump]

RonD just put a fuel pump on his truck. Remove bed bolts... with a helping hand... slide bed rearward.