I need to remove the gas tank on my k5. It is a 78 with I think a 32 gal tank. Any advice for this removal is appricated. I'm goiong to replace the rotted hoses from TLC trucks.
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
advice for gas tank removal
- Thread starter wazzabie
- Start date
Use a tranny jack to lower the tank onto some milk crates or something...That's what I did, pretty eay. Installed it the same way...and do it empty, I did it full...PITA
wazzabie said:
31 gallon, btw.
Empty the tank as much as you can, by driving or siphoning.
Support the tank. I use one of these
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2792
and some lumber, but in a pinch a regular floor jack and a coupla 2x4s would work.
Undo the straps, and geeeeently lower the thing until you can get to the hoses. I don't *think* you have to remove the bumper first, but you may find it easier to do so.
Good time to replace the anti-squeak things on the straps -- they're tarpaper, get it at Home Depot instead of LMC, cheaper -- and check for leaks, corrosion, etc.
There's a ground strap going to the sender as well as the pink/orange wire -- the latter unplugs, but IIRC the ground strap is soldered to the sender, so be careful not to break it. It's a PITA to re-solder
Same drill for dropping the tank to do shackle flip, you see.
-- A
well mine were so badly rusted and the bolts were seized so i just cut them...i bought new ones at advanced for about 32 bucks...
mollyman
1/2 ton status
I just did this on my 81 sub. I cut a nice neat square in the "bed" so I could unhook the hoses first. But if you are replaceing the hoses just drop the tank and don't worry about it. I was going to try and reuse my hoses but they were all nasty too. But you should consider replacing the sending unit while you have access to it. Advanced Auto about $100. Also I poured out all the gass, wirebrushed it and the skid plate and painted them, good as new. I also had to cut the tank straps and on a rig from 78 I bet you will too.
how difficult is it to reach the hoses?
Jishory
1/2 ton status
its a pain to reach the hoses... you gotta sneak your hand around the frame and stuff... i have dropped my tank a couple times and if i could go back and do it again i would take mollymans advice and make an access door for all the hoses and stuff up top, if you needed to change a fuel pump on the trail it would make your life alot easier also(if you have an in tank fuel pump, cant remember on 78's)
When I drained my tank, I used the cheap electric fuel pump the PO installed on my blazer. I just hooked the pump directly to a battery.
lectric80
3/4 ton status
Just a tip, if there is any lift at all on this thing, remove the tires and lower the vehicle as close as you can to the ground. Every little bit helps. The last one I did only had a 4" lift, but we pulled the wheels and set the axle on wood blocks to place the tank much closer to the ground, makes it much more stable, and easier to deal with.
