I'm about to put a new gas tank in my '87 firebird. I was wondering what else I should get at while I've got the axel dropped and gas tank out. I'm planning on doing the fuel pump, was thinking there's probably something else to replace that I don't know. The car has had no work done on it to my knowledge and everything is OEM. Sorry if this isn't the best thread to post this on.
Thanks!

 

Could do the sending unit too while you're in there. I get the whole "if it aint broke then dont fix it" mantra but I just like putting new parts in while I'm already in there, especially when they're a pain in the *** to get to in the first place. It's wise to hook the connector up to the pump and sender and verify they both work before fully reassembling the car. Would also replace all the soft fuel line and hose clamps to the tank. not a bad time to change rear shocks either

 

Exhaust needs to come off, as do the shocks. So that's a start.

Rubber brake lines.
Maybe the fuel sending unit and lines depending on conditon.
Rear brakes, when were they last done?
Service the axle fluid.

This is why small projects snowball into multi year rebuilds, lol

 

Definitely test!! I once installed a new fuel pump into one of our Impala SSs, one I got from a reputable vendor, wired and 'ready to go'. Bolted everything up, threw a couple of gallons of gas in the tank and turned the key. The car ran for a few seconds before dying. After some troubleshooting and verifying things all appeared to be working as they should, I dropped the tank and pulled the pump assembly out to have a look. Turns out the dam thing was wired backward from said reputable vendor!

Their reply to my email noting the issue was pretty much 'okay'. Fuel pumps WILL run backwards and sound like they're running.

 

I'd absolutely replace the rubber lines from the sender and all the parts associated w them, the whole sender pump and all the gaskets. The rubber on the tank that goes between the tank straps and where the tank comes in contact w the unibody. I'd replace the tank straps also. I know the trap door thing is controversial. But after doing my tank once, I wish I did the trap door. Pulling the tank sucks! F that job. And as said all the brake/suspention/exhaust stuff.

so, basically everything. Just plan on replacing all the stuff back there and I agree w testing the sender/pump. It's a miserable job, I'd rather pull an engine any day. I couldn't imagine getting it all together and finding out the pump or sender didn't work.

When I say trap door, I'm not talking the tuna can and duct tape POS people do. Im talking a well done access door w either welding/screws/rivets/seam sealer and paint.

Search deep in your sole, is a trap door the right thing for you?

 

Making a trap door in for my fuel pumps was the best thing I've done. No more dropping the rear and tank that chit is for the birds. Takes 10 minutes to do a fuel pump swap

 

A well done trap door is almost guaranteed to extend the life of you fuel pump by years, by the logic of if it's easy to fix it won't break.