1987 Formula, 305 TPI, 5-speed; Okay guys, what is the trick? I only had 18 lbs pressure at idle. Bad stumble when trying to accelerate. I sealed off the return line to check the fuel regulator and still had on 18 lbs. Looks like I need a new fuel pump. I didn't want to cut a hole in the cargo area - so I thought I would try to drop the tank. I have disconnected the fuel lines and wiring harness and have removed the exhaust, shocks, and sway bar. I have lowered the rear axle as low as possible without disconnecting the hydraulic brake lines. I cannot get the filler tube to slide out through the opening in the frame support. What am I doing wrong? Does the rear axle need to be totally removed?
Thanks, Jimmy

 

I just went through this ordeal. Best to just disconnect that brake line and lower the axle all the way to the ground. There is probably a trick, but I could not get it out with the axle there.

 

 

When you get it to a certain point you've got to rotate the tank a bit, then it'll practically fall out.

 

If there is any bracket holding the brake line (where hard meets soft on the body) and the hard fuel lines, undo that bracket and maybe a few more down the frame. It'll let the brake line go down farther and the tank should almost fall out like they said. Might just need to jack it up a bit more so you clear the passenger side suspension parts when you pull it out. If you haven't also remove the fuel door, it will give you more room to move the neck around.

 

Thanks guys! I disconnected the lateral links, sway bar, shocks, fuel door assembly and the brackets that hold the hydraulic brake lines and the parking brake cable. I still have about 3 gallons in the tank and that complicates the removal a little. I saw a youtube video that was for a Camaro - is that the same tank? I have removed the coil springs because I need to remove the torque tube and slide the tranny back to replace the clutch.
I'll get back out to the garage in a few days and let you know how it goes. I suspect after moving it around a little, I'll find the right combination and it will fall out. Fortunately, I have it up on the lift and I can take my time messing with it.
Thanks - cheers.

 

The trick to doing it without removing the axle almost entirely is to have it on a lift where you can rotate the passenger side of the tank down. But this requires clearance between the car and the ground that you may not have. It's almost standing the fuel tank up on end at the point at which it clears. It's an odd angle to be sure. It's a tilt and rotate compound motion. Much swearing and gnashing of teeth is involved. Having access to a lift is the key to doing it without a ton of pain and anguish.

GD

 

update: Success! After being down with a cold for a few days, I got back out to the garage yesterday (Saturday). As the General (GD) said above, I lower the passenger side of the rear axle. I removed the coil springs, shocks and disconnected the sway bar. I also removed the entire filler housing assembly. I disconnected the brake line brackets to allow a little more travel and did not allow the driver side of the axle to drop too low. That enabled me to keep the hydraulic lines and parking brake cables connected. With the right geometry, the tank could be removed.
The next step is to replace the clutch, install the new fuel pump and put everything back together.

Thanks! Jimmy