How can I remove gas tank?

[cvar]

OK, I'm stumped. My '97 B4000 is up on (front) jacks, but sitting on its rear wheels (as normal). The bed is off, gas tank skid-plate is off, tank straps are out, all hoses are disconnected. Most I can do is shove the gas tank sideways a bit, but I cannot figure out how to remove it. Awk!

The gas tank's small front end is trapped by that T-case crossmember. I tilted the gas tank's rear end down by about 10 inches, but can't go any further cuz the tank just hits the rear axle & diff. Driveshaft prevents going sideways. So... what's the trick? How to remove it?

I'm gonna replace all 4 hangers, shackles, & leaf springs eventually. But meanwhile I'd like that pesky gas tank outta my way. Surely it's removable w/o dropping the rear axle?

 

[cvar]

Never mind. Jacking up the rear axle squished the springs, giving just enuff clearance to wiggle the tank out. Why is everything such a tight fit?

 

[AllanD]

I'll be honest I don't even try removing the gas tank from a ranger with the driveshaft in the vehicle

 

[snoranger]

Never mind. Jacking up the rear axle squished the springs, giving just enuff clearance to wiggle the tank out. Why is everything such a tight fit?

Because its a small truck.

 

[Ranger Kip]

get a full tank of gas and ignite the gas tank, should burn it off in a few hours, so just let it sit

 

[MazdaHawaii]

I had the same problem and removed the rear axle. I think it would have come off without doing that if the prior owner had not put in lift blocks between the top of the axle and leaf springs. I didn't mind. It allowed me to more easily clean up the frame and paint it.