Dropping the tank, fuel line breakage concerns

[SS66]

In a few hours Im about to drop my gas tank for the first time. Im concerned though that I will be busting fuel lines as I bring it down before Im able to remove the sending unit. I dont see how I will be able to drop it enough to remove the unit without kinking/breaking lines since there doesnt appear to be a whole lot of room for movement.

Is there a trick to all this or should I just slowly bring her down and hope for the best?
Thanks

 

[dyeager535]

Floor jack under the tank, and only let it down far enough so that you can get your hand in from the back side of the truck. You can get enough space to remove all the lines this way. Leave the filler hose connected as long as possible because it will help hold the tank in place.

Don't forget the wiring first...ground, sender wire, and fuel pump (if present) wires can all be disconnected first.

Don't cut the fuel filler hose, it's a pain to get more of often, and use tubing wrenches if you are fuel injected. Pretty straight forward, I'd suggest siphoning fuel out if it's got much fuel in it. It sloshes and throws the balance off in a hurry.

 

[SS66]

I got it off. Add that to my long list of things I NEVER want to do again. I twisted a sending unit tube shut while trying to disconnect it from a line. So now I need a new unit and a new tank haha. When taking off the filler tube I was underneath it because thats the only way I could get to it.. of course about 2 cups of gas spilled right on my face. Surely wasnt expecting that nasty surprise!

One more question. The vent tube that runs up to the front of the truck ( thats what i think it is anyway Im pretty sure its not a gas line since its not braided line or screwed on. Its just clamped on ) broke. Is it acceptable to just leave it busted back there? I THINK its just for emissions but you people are the mechanics. Im just learning all this crap. I'll leave it be if I can.. dont want to open another can of worms

Thanks

 

[dyeager535]

Factory setup reduces emissions, SLIGHTLY increases economy (since you are burning the fuel vapor) and helps keep condensation out of the tank.

Removing it makes it more likely to smell gas fumes, condensation to form in the tank, and the gas fumes tend to eat away paint if it is vented close. If you do deep water, it needs to be vented higher.

Yes, you can run without it. Better to just keep it in place, but if it's not possible, you can work around it. You can't plug it, the later gas caps don't vent at a low enough pressure.

 

[SS66]

Great. Thanks for all your help dyeager535. I remember back in the old days ( well, a few years ago ) you could post a question, take a sip of water, press refresh and have an answer instantly. Now it seems there are more people but less information being passed around. Maybe its just because Im no longer a paying member and posting in the garage where us N00b's hang out
I do however need to renew my membership. I only let it expire because I sold my old k5 and had no use for the boards.

Anyway, thanks again! My truck is a real POS but I love it.