How difficult is it to drop the gas tank, or at least lower it. Anyone done that?

 

I drained the tank by tapping into the fuel rail check valve and jumping the fuel pump relay, but if your truck still starts and runs I suggest driving it till the tank is almost empty. It would probably be quicker [:'(] Once the tank is empty, or close enough you just pull the lines from the fuel pump (I believe there are 2). Be careful not to break the plastic fitting on the rollover valve. Then unbolt the filler neck and the 2 straps, and the tank should come out. I used a jack stand on one end, because I couldn't get my tank empty enough, and it was hard to lower the whole thing at the same time. My pump was VERY weak. It took me around 20 mins. just to pump out 3 gallons.

 

Siphon the gas out with a hose.

 

hope this helps..........

FUEL TANK - ALL ENGINES
WARNING: GASOLINE POWERED ENGINES: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CONSTANT PRESSURE EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF. BEFORE SERVICING THE FUEL TANK, FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MUST BE RELEASED. REFER TO THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE BEFORE SERVICING THE FUEL TANK.

Two different procedures may be used to drain fuel tank (lowering tank or using DRB scan tool) When equipped with a diesel engine, the DRB scan tool cannot be used (no electric fuel pump)

The quickest draining procedure involves lowering the fuel tank.

Gasoline Powered Engines: As an alternative procedure, the electric fuel pump may be activated allowing tank to be drained at fuel rail connection. Refer to DRB scan tool for fuel pump activation procedures. Before disconnecting fuel line at fuel rail, release fuel pressure. Refer to the Fuel System Pressure Release Procedure in this group for procedures. Attach end of special test hose tool number 6541, 6539, 6631 or 6923 at fuel rail disconnection (tool number will depend on model and/or engine application) Position opposite end of this hose tool to an approved gasoline draining station. Activate fuel pump and drain tank until empty.

If electric fuel pump is not operating, tank must be lowered for fuel draining. Refer to following procedures.

REMOVAL
Remove fuel tank filler tube cap.
Perform Fuel System Pressure Release procedure as described in this group.
Gasoline Engines: Disconnect negative battery cable at battery. Diesel Engines: Disconnect both negative battery cables at both batteries.
Raise vehicle on hoist.
Certain models are equipped with a separate grounding wire (strap) connecting the fuel fill tube assembly to the body. Disconnect wire by removing screw.
Open fuel fill door and remove screws mounting fuel filler tube assembly to body. Do not disconnect rubber fuel fill or vent hoses from tank at this time.
Place a transmission jack under center of fuel tank. Apply a slight amount of pressure to fuel tank with transmission jack.
Remove fuel tank mounting strap nuts from mounting strap studs Fuel Tank Mounting - Typical If equipped, remove fuel tank shield bolts.
Lower fuel tank only enough to allow access to top of tank. The 2 tank fittings (where rubber fuel fill and vent hose connections are made) must be positioned above tank level. Rotate tank slightly to allow these fittings to be above tank level
WARNING: WRAP SHOP TOWELS AROUND HOSES TO CATCH ANY GASOLINE SPILLAGE.

While working over left rear tire/wheel, disconnect rubber fuel vent hose at fuel tank Fuel Tank Mounting - Typical (vent hose is the smallest of 2 hoses) Position fuel siphoning/drain hose into this fitting at tank. Drain fuel into an approved portable holding tank or a properly labeled gasoline (or diesel fuel) safety container.
Disconnect rubber fuel fill hose at fuel tank Fuel Tank Mounting - Typical
Gas Powered Engines:
While working over left rear tire/wheel, disconnect wiring harness connector from electrical connector at top of fuel pump module Fuel Pump Module - Gas Engine With 26 or 34 Gallon Tank or Fuel Pump Module - Gas Engine With 35 Gallon Tank
If equipped with 26 or 34 gallon fuel tank, two EVAP lines are connected to rollover valves. Disconnect EVAP line from rollover valve at top of module Fuel Pump Module - Gas Engine With 26 or 34 Gallon Tank Disconnect other EVAP line from rollover valve near rear of tank Fuel Pump Module - Gas Engine With 26 or 34 Gallon Tank
If equipped with 35 gallon fuel tank, two EVAP lines are connected to rollover valves. Disconnect EVAP lines from rollover valves at top-front and top-rear of fuel tank Rollover Valve Locations - Gas Engine With 35 Gallon Tank
Disconnect fuel supply line at fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator supply fitting Fuel Pump Module - Gas Engine With 26 or 34 Gallon Tank or Fuel Pump Module - Gas Engine With 35 Gallon Tank Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings for procedures.
Diesel Powered Engines:
While working over left rear tire/wheel, disconnect wiring harness connector from electrical connector at top of fuel tank module Fuel Tank Module - Diesel Engine
Disconnect fuel supply and fuel return lines at the fuel tank module fittings Fuel Tank Module - Diesel Engine Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings for procedures.
Gasoline Engines: If fuel pump module removal is necessary, refer to Fuel Pump Module Removal/Installation in this group. Diesel Engines: If fuel tank module removal is necessary, refer to Fuel Tank Module Removal/Installation in this group
INSTALLATION
Gasoline Engines: If fuel pump module is being installed, refer to Fuel Pump Module Removal/Installation in this group. Diesel Engines: If fuel tank module is being installed, refer to Fuel Tank Module Removal/Installation in this group.
Place fuel tank on top of transmission jack.
Install rubber fill and vent lines to tank. Tighten hose clamps to 2.3 N·m (20 in. lbs.) torque.
Raise tank into position while guiding fill and vent hoses to body. Raise tank only enough to allow access to top of tank.
Gas Powered Engines:
Connect electrical connector to fuel pump module.
Connect EVAP hoses at rollover valves.
Connect fuel supply line at fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings for procedures.
Diesel Powered Engines:
Connect electrical connector to fuel tank module.
Connect fuel supply and fuel return lines to fuel tank module fittings. Refer to Quick-Connect Fittings in this group.
Connect two mounting straps and mounting strap nuts.
Tighten strap nuts to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque. Do not over tighten retaining strap nuts.
Remove transmission jack.
Connect fuel filler tube assembly to body.
If equipped, connect grounding wire (strap) and screw.
Refill fuel tank and inspect all hoses and lines for leaks.
Connect negative battery cable(s) to battery(s)

 

Sweet glad your in the group. You will be a most valued source of info.

Welcome..

 

Yes, thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

 

are you going to upgrade to the 31 gallon tank? I think there is a DIY writeup over on pavementsucks that covers it.

 

No, somehow, the plate that sits above the tank (it is part of the cab, but sticks out past the cab by about 1/4 inch just at the area of the tank) got bent, and was digging a hole in my tank. It also created a pretty noisy squeek audible from in the cab. I just needed to drop the tank enough so I could reach up and bend the plate back to straight so it wouldn't cut a hole in my tank. That fixed the squeek too.

 

it might be easier to loosen the bolts that hold the bed in and side it back enough to get your to bend it back.

just a though

 

I just bought my fuel pump and am about to do this procedure myself friday. I didn't realize how much stuff was involved in this, I knew it'd be time consuming but wow....