ok, ok, I know this has been gone over a bazzilion times. But I have a different questions that I didnt see an answer too.

First off, I know the right way is to drop the axle, exhaust, n tank, Yes, I did do this on my old v6 car... it was a southern no rust car its whole life. Time consuming, but not overly hard.

However, this car is a northern car now in the south. Tons of rust and I can not get my panhard brace off, tank bolts loose, etc. There was already a hole cut above the tank so I was thinking that route has already been done. I see a new sending unit, but none of the lines are cut like people do on here via this way.

So people who have swapped pumps via the top cut panel method. What did you cut your lines with to avoid sparks to prevent fire? Is there ANY way possible to remove the sending unit w/o cutting the lines? Thats what looks like has happened here. But I dont see how at ALL.

 

The tank lines extend all the way to the driver side of the car. You can see them from under the car. I've also seen where folks have cut through to that side in order to get the sending unit out.

I feel your pain with it being a Northern car. I smile when I'm accused of having a 'garage queen.' Yep, and no rust.

It is more painful in the beginning, but it may be worthwhile to cut/chop/saw the old hardware off and replace it. Short term pain traded for long term ease of wrenching, BTDT.

RBob.