i have a 95 2.3 5spd---my guage is not working.Out of the blue it worked for a day then back to showing nothing again.Its been like this for a long time.I am assuming that there is a malfunction inside the tank and i probably just need to replace the whole thing.Just in case i thought i would ask if there is anything i should check first.

Also is the sending unit and the fuel pump made together?---if they are not and i have to replace the sending unit should i just go for it and replace the pump too? I have about 220k on my truck.Wasnt sure how long the pump usually last and the quality of aftermarket pumps etc.I would imagine after 220k the pump is getting tired.---any ideas,thought,suggestions appreciated.

 

I would try a bottle of Techron in the tank just for giggles.......there was some gas, mostly Shell, I think that was causing some sender issue..to much sulfur or something?.....Techron supposedly can clear it up.....you also might want to make sure it is not the gauge or a loose connection?....if not you would want to pull the bed to swap the sender......as for a new pump? I am not much for throwing parts at trucks but it might be worth with your mileage and since you will have the bed off.......at a minimum I would swap out the "filter/screen" at the bottom of the pump....

 

Subscribing.
My fuel gauge didn't work in the winter, but it now works in the spring and summer.

My odometer don't work in the summer, but it works in the winter.

Let us know how it goes.

Is it really easier to take the bed off instead of dropping the tank???

 

The biggest problem seen with the senders is the brass float leaking and filling with gas. and not working. Some times when you run the tank low and then fill it up the float will float for a bit showing up on the gauge. With that being said I don't know if the (('s used a brass float or a foam float. I have put in a lot of Brass floats over the years. The easiest way to get to this is to pull the bed. The complete fuel pump module for the ranger is not to expensive on Ebay I used the Carter brand and this included a complete new sender

 

The sending unit that operates the fuel gauge and pump are made as an assembly. You can purchase aftermarket pumps to install into the original sending unit, saving a hundred plus dollars. Pumps are reputed to start drawing more current as they age. A current draw test can tell you the relative condition of the pump.
Everyone here so far has stated it is easier to prop the bed up than to drop the tank. I cannot attest, but removing the 6 torkx bolts, and the tail & license plate light connectors don't seem like a lot of connections. Add in the screws holding the filler neck in place, and you're done. I think you could also use a 2X4 as a lever to tilt the bed, and then slide in some stacked blocks to prop the bed w/o actually removing it totally, and that would help if you don't have assistants that can take direction...
If I were looking, I'd search for online sources, as I think there are aftermarket sending units now available that are somewhat less costly than OEM. When I did my car, the only source was Ford, and the boss said I had to make the gauge work, or she would go buy a new car... the pump was fine...

tom