I am going to replace my fuel pump this weekend and noticed in my service manual that says I need a special service tool ie- fuel tank lockring wrench. I know they make a tool for this removal, but is it required to remove the pump assembly or can I remove it using channel locks? I just want to have the necessary tools to make my project go smooth.

 

You can probably rent something like that from Autozone. Channel locks should work, too. Just make sure you don't create any sparks.

 

Dont know what year you have but i changed the pump on my 2000 s/cab and the tank/pump access had a 1" high 6" dia. plastic ring that came off very ez by hand.

 

If you haven't already, consider removing the bed fastners, tail light wiring connector, fuel fill connection at the fill door & slide the bed back, to access the pump.

It's said to be safier & easier than emptying & dropping the tank, to access the pump.

Along Joe's "no sparks" thought line, watch out for static electricity this time of year, so be mindful of that, in the tools used & type of clothes worn. I'd maybe wear cotton, rather than polyester, or wool, which tend to build static electricity rather easily, especially if humidity is low..

Probably another good reason to leave the tank in the truck to fiddle with the pump. Also full tank of gas its a lot safer to work on, than a empty one, full of fumes!!!!
So don't do this in a closed space with furnices or a gas type water heater around. If you use a trouble light, put a florescent lamp in it, as they aren't as hot.
Keep yourself in contact with the vehicles metal body & tank, so there is less chance of static buildup. I have hardened brass screwdrives I use around fuel components.
Of course keep smokers & cell phone users well away.

Just some more thoughts for pondering. let us know how it goes.

 

All is taken well into consideration. My truck has a 3" lift on it already and my mechanic and I have already looked at what needs to be done. We have deemed that all we need to do is loosen the bed bolts on the passenger side and remove the bed bolts on the driver side, jack up the driver side bed and gain access to the pump. All we need is another 4" to get the pump out of the tank. So, the ground work has already been thought about, I just wasn't sure if I NEEDED the lockring remover wrench. I appreciate the insight of your replys. Thanks all. Will repost after this weekend on my success or failure!

 

I've always used a piece of brass bar as a big drift pin to tap the lock ring around until it's unlocked.

Use brass as it will eliminate the spark issue of steel-on-steel...

 

Brass drift and a plastic faced mallet is all I have ever used.

 

As for the clothes, simple denim works well. Along the same lines, I use an anti-static wristband, (which simply grounds you), stuck into a good ground, (not chassis, but "ground-ground", when working on computers.