tank removal
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Is it actually in the bed, or do you mean under the bed? If it's in the bed, then it's not factory and you'll just have to figure out how it's mounted as it was up to the installer to decide how they wanted to do it.
Under the bed, next to the frame rail is the stock location. Some tanks have a protective sheild that must first be removed, the mounting bolts on it are pretty obvious. Then you need to remove the hose clamps from the fill tube and pop it off one end, and on the inside of the tank near the driveshaft you'll find the sending unit and pickup tube, you'll need to disconnect the sender wire and the pickup hose there. Then support the tank with a floor jack (much easier if the tank is empty or near so) and unbolt one end of the tank straps and bend them down out of the way, then lower the tank with the jack while supporting it with one hand. It's not really heavy when it's empty so it's not difficult to get it out.
Under the bed, next to the frame rail is the stock location. Some tanks have a protective sheild that must first be removed, the mounting bolts on it are pretty obvious. Then you need to remove the hose clamps from the fill tube and pop it off one end, and on the inside of the tank near the driveshaft you'll find the sending unit and pickup tube, you'll need to disconnect the sender wire and the pickup hose there. Then support the tank with a floor jack (much easier if the tank is empty or near so) and unbolt one end of the tank straps and bend them down out of the way, then lower the tank with the jack while supporting it with one hand. It's not really heavy when it's empty so it's not difficult to get it out.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 1
From: Kingsport, TN
ford71 - Sounds like an aftermarket or dealership option. I used to install them at an Oregon dealership. There should be 2 looong bolts going thru the bed and tank (thru welded-in tubes in the tank. A 3/8" rachet or extension should loosen the "nuts on the bottom. They look like large washers with a 3/8" square in the center about 6" long and threaded in the inside - screwed onto the carriage bolts that go thru the bed. Support the tang and loosen the hoses/electrical as mentioned. A 2x4 or 2x6 on a floor jack works. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
thats exactly what i have only the "squares" are 110% stripped out. got any tricks for removing the these stripped "nuts" or should i just stick a pipe wrench on em? i'm beginning to think some previous owner might have just modified the factory tank and mounted it in the bed for some unknown reason.?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 1
From: Kingsport, TN
My only suggestion is to use a grinder on the "nuts" at the bottom of the tank. AFTER it is supported with a floor jack AND a 2x4 or such between the jack and tank, and atfer the filler hose has been loosened. The same grinding could be done from the top but at slight risk to the bed. I'm assuming the tank is suspended UNDER the bed. There may be an aftermarket 'gas filler door" or filler tube accessed in front of the rear wheel ??? Just a safety item - have a fire extinguisher handy. Is there a switch in the dash or a selector switch on the floor between the drivers seat and the door ? Another option that has been done is to install a boat tank - they come in different sizes and shapes from 10 gal. to 60+ gals.
