I've been battling with this problem for some time now. It seems as though my rear end wasn't low enough to get the gas tank out in the first place (Changing the fuel pump), and after sacrificing 2 tanks I'd like to do this right.



As you can see, the 3 ton jack is as low as it will go. Should I Bolt the rear back to the chassis and jack it up higher? I'm guessing the sway and track bar would have to be put back at least temporarily. Or, would it be wise to jack each side up individually? Seems dangerous, but i'm really just looking for input.



I even thought about digging out the area under the differential for thoes precious extra inches.

Please help me get my illegitimate, yet equally loved, baby back on the road. Thanks.

Useful Gibberish:

Yes, the gas cap/fuel door/shroud and exhaust is out of the way. I've got maybe 3 inches I could lower the rear without straining the brake line too much. I'm aware of the method to remove/install the tank, but that could be at fault as well.

 

Alright, i've had time to rehash my question:

With the rear end lowered, where should the bottom bolt of the strut be relative to the axle tube? Mine is about center with the tube. Too high?

 

I would go a head and remove the rear end out of the car. Just a couple of bolts and you'll have no clearance issues.

 

JUST WONDERING HOW MUCH DOES THE CAT MAKE TO SUPERVISE? GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND.

 

Thanks for the tip, Lo-tec. I considered it for a moment but then decided to go a different route. I lack the tools as well as the skill to take on such a task right now. My only other option was to dig.



Armed with my trusty garden fork, I began to dig a 10x10 hole under the differential. Broke through the gravel top layer, then the asphalt/gravel underneath. It was tough to do so given the space as well as the angle of the jack.




When I finally got it right, the rear end would now go LOW. After that, installing the tank was an absolute breeze. The straps were the biggest struggle because they had been bent all to hell.



It went in as best that I can tell, perfectly.



After securing the tank, I wanted to make sure the pump would prime, so I got my mother to put turn the key on the "ON" position. Sure enough, she tried to start it, spurting gas from the return line all over the place.

All-in-all, it was a triumphant day. After 6 months of sitting in my driveway, life has been restored. I still need to figure out which lines go to which (relief, return and most important- the one that carries fuel to the engine), but I believe the biggest hurdle has been jumped.

I just wanna thank all of you for answering my noobie questions, and a special thanks to DucksChevy for supplying me with the tank after months of bs on my part. Thank you.



Right now shes only handing me the occasional loose socket, but with enough training I hope to have her change the oil. She gets paid by the pound (of cat food).

 

Any ideas on how to get this door in? This will absolutely be my last question regarding fuel pump removal/installation. Thanks.

 

ya gotta jiggle it
unfortunately I can't really give any good info. I just had to jiggle it. It went in right eventually. Maybe I broke it in the process, but that's just the sign of a fast mechanic

lucky you, having a cat to help...

 

I changed the pump in my 87 on stands and on a trailer. We never unbolted the shocks also never removed the springs
we just took the rear of the exhaust off and the heat shields then tilted the tank and took it out while still under the car. Me and my buddy never romoved the tank from under the car. The filler neck was still halfway in its hole.