how to drop tank?

[NorCal_Chris]

So i was looking under my rig. 73 blazer with 31g tank. Planning on dropping tank and moving rear shackle hanger to get better angle. I was looking and it doesnt seem there is a way to get the tank out.

It sits almost flush in between the framerails, and then has the filler neck that goes over the frame. Do i have to pull the bumper off and slide it back off over the frame?


Am i missing something easy here?

 

[NorCalKid]

If you have a skid plate on it you remove the 3 bolts on the front and 3 in the rear. Then the tank will be held up with 2 straps with hooks on the front side and bolts on the back. You can see the bolts if you look down between the bumper and tailgate. Its quite a pain to get in in and out, especially if there is some gas in there. Good luck!

 

[NorCal_Chris]

Yeah i saw those, but it seems to me that i wouldnt be able to drop the tank, since the filler neck goes so far over the framerail. The way it is set now i would have to drop the side without the down and then out sideways, but that doesnt look possible because the tank will hit the frame.

whatever the case is the tank will not drop straight down, unless i cut the filler neck off.

 

[NorCalKid]

Is it a stock tank? The filler neck on mine is only 4 or so inches long then the rest is rubber tube hose clamped on there. Post some pictures.

 

[duanel]

The filler neck should be a rubber hose which connects at the top of the tank at least that was how it was on my 73 blazer I had to replace it because it was leaking wasn't easy Getting to the hose clamps and breaking the hose loose) but was doable. That why I like the three inch body lift on my 75 jimmy If I have to replace it it will be a lot easier

 

[NorCal_Chris]

here are some pics.

My thought is that the filler neck sticks out, so the tank is going to have to drop down on the driver side. I dont think it is going to be able to without hitting the framerail and binding, and even if it did i think the filler sticks too far out and will hit the bottom of my tub. Clearances look tight and that neck looks awefully long.

 

[NorCalKid]

Interesting, doesn't look like a stock tank. They had to get it in there some how, I would try drooping it on an angle it might just clear. It looks like it might hit the tub too though. Maybe cut a few inches off the filler and get a longer rubber tube.

 

[iwaxmyjimmy]

Interesting, doesn't look like a stock tank. They had to get it in there some how, I would try drooping it on an angle it might just clear. It looks like it might hit the tub too though. Maybe cut a few inches off the filler and get a longer rubber tube.

Um use a hacksaw if you have to cut some off the filler neck... just a lil FWI

 

[zombie1969]

Your pics need to be a bit back further.Like trying to read a book thats 2in from your face.Cant tell but do you have a hitch thats welded to the frame?Mine had one like that and had to cut it off to get the tank out.Was a nightmare seeing is the tank leaked.My new hitch bolts to the frame now.

 

[gotblazers]

make sure the tank is as empty as possible. undo the straps. It will probably still sit in place with the straps fully off disconnect the main filler hose and the return line (i forget the official name) next to it. Just work it left and right and at different angles itll come out. use a floor jack or something to rest it on once its halfway down and disconnect all the rest of the lines on top you can now reach. I have new tanks on my 73 and 76 k5 blazer and the filler necks werent an issue at all. If you have to cut the filler neck then so be it although my stock tanks never had that issue.

 

[NorCal_Chris]

I see what you guys are saying.... but it doesnt make sense. I will just have to try it when i have some time, and post the pics of it not coming out lol!

I dont have a hitch on there anymore. it was bolted on. I am thinking the only way this is gonna come out without completly cutting the filler neck off is if i take the bumper off so i have w rails and pull it back out that way then down


here is a picture from the back. All i can do now since it is dark

 

[GMC1977]

I took mine out by myself yesterday without a floor jack or anything...Ill never do that again. Turns out i had like 10-12 gallons of gas in it, and that made it a real bear. i took the bumper off and after getting the straps undone it just kinda fell out and i took the hoses off.

 

[Fordum]

Man, unless you can find a giant pipe cutter, then pour lots of heavy oil on the hacksaw as you cut, and keep it soaked in it if you have to cut the neck off.

Thin sheet metal like that, I have seen sparks coming off a hand powered hacksaw when cutting it at night.
If you were to jump a spark into an almost empty gas tank, the next post from your account would be from your next of kin asking how to get the truck off the roof.

You just cannot believe the amount of power stored in those fumes.

I had a good friend of mine blown through a steel roof when the crew of the Marine Patrol Safety boat did not take their own advice and run the blowers before they started the inboard gas engine.

And I was briefly pinned under a piece of a wall when a guy I did not know accidentally cut into a gas tank with cutting torch while working on a truck.
I was glad the wall was between us. He died.

My friend survived with only minor injuries because the force of the blast peeled the roof back just before he hit it.

But, he died about a year later when a helicopter fell on him.

I have lost more friends.......But, thats ok, I have lots of new ones here........

 

[USSkoval]

I took mine out by myself yesterday without a floor jack or anything...Ill never do that again. Turns out i had like 10-12 gallons of gas in it, and that made it a real bear. i took the bumper off and after getting the straps undone it just kinda fell out and i took the hoses off.

X2. Just pull the bumper and undo the straps, it's not hard, just take your time. Don't cut anything either. It went in there to begin with, so it will come out in one piece.

 

[zombie1969]

Im wondering why you guys are removing you bumpers?All I did the last time(This is with my new hitch that doesnt get in the way)was remove the filler panel between the bumper and body and access to the strap nuts was easy.The 15 gallons of gas in the tank was a pita though.

 

[USSkoval]

Because it was actually easier for me to remove the bumper than it was to remove the straps. The bumper came off no problem. The straps took a lot of wrenchin and WD-40, would have been nearly impossible with the bumper still mounted.