I cant figure out for the life of me how to get the gas tank down. I have my exhaust un-bolted, but its resting on a metal bar that runs across the rear end. There are actually 2 metal bars like that, one that its on, and one just below it. These seem to connect the rear end to the body, at least somewhat.

I cant figue out how to get the rear end out, or if i need to to get to the tank, and more over, i cant figure out how to get the 2 metal bars i previously mentioned out.

I tried a search but didnt find a whole lot of information other than "Cut the trunk well" or "dont cut the trunk well", So some real information here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

I really dont want to cut the trunk ........ But if i cant find any good info on doing it the right way im going to have to :-/ ... Where are all you "no cutting" activists when i need you

 

I helped a friend change a pump on an '88 Formula.

You have to remove both the panard (spelling?) rod and the crossbar that it attaches to. The crossbar has (IIRC) three bolts on one end and two on the other that bolt it up to the subframe.

To drop the rear end you need to remove the panard rod and unbolt the shocks. You'll obviously need to remove the panard rod to remove the previously mentioned crossbar, but you only have to unbolt the shocks from the rear end.

Support the rear end on a jack (along with jack stands under the subframe) before you do this, then slowely lower the rear and out of the way.

The next project is to remove the bracket (for lack of a better term) that surrounds the filler neck. The filler neck is welded to the tank which makes it a real PITA getting the tank out, but with some determination it can be done.

If you haven't already, you need to remove the heat shield that protects the tank from the heat of the muffler.

After that, remove the support straps that hold the tank up and drop it down and out. You'll have to wiggle the snot out of it to get the filler neck to cooperate. Once you get it low enough where you'll have access to the top, you'll have to remove all the fuel lines.

That should get you started. Defenitely don't do this alone. It's a somewhat dangerous job that you can use help with. If only to have someone there to call 911 or hold a fire extinguisher, get a friend or someone to help you.

 

I have an 1989 with a bad fuel pump. There has to be an easier way than this. I have no exhaust beyond the rear end, but I do not want to remove the entire rearend for a fuel pump

 

The panard and the crossbar are next to impossible to get out on my car. not sure if i was just being stupid or what, but i spent 2 days trying at them and nothing. Since this was my daily driver i had 2 choices, pay someone $700 to do it for me , or cut the trunk .... after my third day working on it, i gave in .... i feel bad for doing it, but it was my only choice thanks for the information though.

 

That sucks. For future reference, the panhard rod is easy to remove. Pull out the bolts and jimmy it out (prybar) or tap it with a rubber mallot. The upper can be unbolted from the rear easily and pried out too. Use penetrating oil if your bolts are rusted and replace with new bolts.

 

I had gotten the nut off the panard, but the actual bolt still wasnt moving at all, now matter how much penetrating oil i put on it or how hard i smacked it with a hammer. i dunno what was up, but oh well.... Now just to figure out how to actually pull the pump out of the tank.

 

What AJ_92RS said is about yht only way to do it right. He helped me with my 88 Formula. I also did one by myself a month ago on a 92 RS Camaro. took about 4 hours by myself. After the first time it gets easier.