I've heard in the past that I have to drop the whole rear end in order to get it down. Is that true,or is there a much simpler way of getting it down?

 

Yes, you do have to drop the rear end.

 

Check out this thread. May help a bit.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...fuel-tank.html

 

"They" say you don't have to drop it all the way out; just the eeeeeezy part of that. Which is, support the "frame" of the car in the rear, right in front of the front lower control arm bolts, on jack stands SECURELY, unbolt the brake line junction block thing from the top of the housing, and unbolt the shocks. The rear will drop several more inches and the springs will fall out, giving you all kinds of room up in there.

More of a hassle will be, the exhaust usually has to come out; and depending on how rusted up or welded together or whatever it happens to be, that might be ... fun.

Then there will be plenty of clearance for lowering, turning, and withdrawing the filler neck from its little tunnel thing.

 

Also loosen front control arm bolts if you have stock bushings. That way they won't bind while the rear end swings.