94 Ford Ranger XL

[marriedmanw]

I have a 94 Ford Ranger XL 4x4 with 2.3L 4cyl engine. It currently has 186K miles on it. Recently, the fuel gauge has quit working. When I turn off the engine the gauge reads 1/4 tank but once it is started the guage sits on Empty. Hayes manual states the fuel sender is built into the pump and has to be replaced as one unit, but someone recommended changing the fuel sending relay in the fuse box.
What are your suggestions? If the fuel pump needs to be replaced, is that extremely difficult?

Thanks,
Michael

 

[Dave R]

The fuel gauge sending unit is built into/part of the the fuel pump assembly. The assembly is available, minus the fuel pump, for $65+ on Rockauto.com.

But, before changing it I'd double check the electrical connections at the pump assembly. If you need to change the assembly it is normally much easier to remove the bed bolts, disconnect the fuel filler neck and the taillamp wiring harness and then shift the bed back about 2'. They are not heavy and two average sized guys can move one around fairly easily. Beats the living hell out of trying to muscle the tank around.

 

[Ranger44]

Yes a bed is easier to move around than a tank.