Guys - I have a 1977 Camper Special F-250 4x4. Dual fuel tanks. Seems to be having difficulty delivering fuel. I want to drop and clean the tanks. Should I remove the bed to do this, or is that extra work un-needed? I will be working alone, so removing the bed may be a challenge.

Thanks for your advice.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...tml#post576747

 

Pulling the bed makes it a little easier but not needed. Not worth it unless you need to pull the bed for other reasons. As mentioned in the link, make sure the tanks are low and use a floor jack + wood to help lower the tanks. Pre-treatment of tank fasteners with penetrating oil can only help.

The hard part about pulling the bed is getting the bed mount bolts loose if they are rusty... the carriage bolt heads may spin. The rest is easy. Pull the 8 bolts, disconnect one or two tail light connectors and lift. Single handed, a cherry picker can be used. Cut a 4x4 or double 2x4 a little longer than bed width. Place it under the bed rails and lift away. Easier with a helper to guide/balance but I have done it single handed.

 

I have a 74 F350 2WD as well as a '78 E350 Motorhome and both have factory dual tanks. I've dropped the midship tanks in both and it took probably 15 minutes for each. I did use some penetrating blaster on the bolts as well as make sure the tank was pretty empty. I took each out without any assistance but I did need some help positioning it and holding it up when putting it back. I thought it was a rather simple project. Good luck!

 

Removing the bed is just more work, and you will still need to drop the tanks to get them good and clean.

But if you just HAVE to pull the bed, YES the carriage bolts will spin and can strip out the lock squares in the bed. You will need someone to stand on the head, before you put the impact wrench to the nuts.

Go here read this tank drop advice. Its not that bad, as long as the tanks are empty. You remember how to hose siphon right?

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696841

 

Just took off a Camper Special bed 10 days ago. Trust me, leave the box on. The operative words are camper special which means you probly have the braces that you use to tie down your camper, means you got 18 bolts to remove. Also means you either take off the braces or you spend an hour realigning the box to the braces. Drop the tanks, the rear one is real easy and the auxillary will test your braille ability but it's not that bad.

 

Thanks Gentlemen. I will leave the bed in place, and try to drop the tanks. I may be back if I run into issues. I appreciate everyone's guidance.