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changing fuel tank module

Old 11-03-2009, 11:13 AM
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changing fuel tank module

I have to change the fuel tank module in my 2001.5. I would like to know which way would be the best way to change it. Lift the bed off the truck or just drop the tank. I have accsess to a overhead crane at work. If i drop the tank has to be done with no truck lift. Would like to hear everybody two cents worth. Thanks in advance for your input.
Old 11-03-2009, 11:44 AM
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With a crane available and no lift, I would lift the bed. Only a few bolts. Those straps can be hell to get loose even with a lift and a tranny jack under the tank.
Old 11-03-2009, 11:46 AM
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I have had to drop mine several times and and have dropped it as opposed to lifting the bed. My bed has a fairly heavy toolbox and a headache rack in it that is lighted and there is not enough slack in the wires to raise it enough with out unhooking the wires so I drop the tank. It is two bolts, and a couple of quick connect fittings and couple clamps. I can do mine in about 15minutes.
Obviously the least amount of fuel possible makes it easier. I can do it myself with 6 or 7 gallons in it after that I need a jack.
Old 11-03-2009, 12:04 PM
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I have done both mutiple times both ways are a PIA but I think i prefer dropping the tank I just try to get it as empty as possible and have a floor jack and 2 short jack stands to sit it on. it does not need to be on the ground to pull the sender out at a slight angle.
Old 11-03-2009, 01:14 PM
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I would raise the bed or take it off. Much easier IMHO. and it gives you a chance to inspect parts of your truck that are normally hard to see. Brake and fuel lines, rear diff, frame rails etc.
Old 11-03-2009, 02:02 PM
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With access to a shop crane (and warm place to work - lucky you) I would lift the bed right off. Without access to the crane - I would drop the tank. But thats kind of obvious.
Old 11-03-2009, 02:14 PM
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Thanks for the info. I did a little checking on the price of that module in the fuel tank. My local dealer wants 520 bucks for the part. I phoned my brother in edmonton he priced one out there and the price was 368 buck. That price was also from a dodge dealer why the big price difference. Talk about getting bent over. I phoned the local dealer and told him the price and he said that was the wrong price. I gave him the dodge part number and he was speechless. Makes a guy wonder how bad we are getting bent over when we have to get parts from a dealer. Again thanks for the info Garry
Old 11-03-2009, 02:59 PM
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dealer's around here seem to be setting there own price on part's also.there's not much choice,when it come's to local dealer's in my area now.i ended up getting part's from a dealer in washington and it was still cheaper with the shipping cost.they also shipped it from a dealer closer to my area and i had it in 2 day's.
Old 11-03-2009, 04:21 PM
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Try going to Vulcan Performance. They have the jeep liberty cannisters for one heck of a lot less. I think even with the drawstraw installed it was 200ish and without was 100ish. Direct drop in and complete if I recall correctly. Certainly worth a call.
Old 11-03-2009, 04:32 PM
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I would follow BarryG's advice about Vulcan Performance. That or bring in a module in from the states if you can wait.

I believe hes talking about this:

http://www.vulcanperformance.com/Dra...w-p/jlfmds.htm

or this:

http://www.vulcanperformance.com/Dra...low-p/jlfm.htm

I dont have one so cant give specifics. They will ship USPS so shipping is cheap as well.
Old 11-03-2009, 05:27 PM
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Why are you changing the module?

If the fuel gauge doesn't work, the sender is available for 45 bucks, and if your lines are rotten at the top, you can either get a remanned unit from Dodge for 150 bucks or a Vulcan draw straw for 49.

They are also available on Ebay cheap.....
Old 11-03-2009, 06:22 PM
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demon.what is wrong with your module anyway's?
my truck had the in-tank pump retro-fit.i just left it in place and popped a draw straw into the tank for my fuel supply line.
Old 11-03-2009, 07:04 PM
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When I have a little more than a 1/4 tank of fuel my truck run out of fuel. put there is still fuel in the tank there is about 5 gallons of fuel left.
Old 11-03-2009, 07:35 PM
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I just paid $148 for the level sending unit at the dealer last week, I dropped the tank rather than pull the box and there is a I beam and chain block in my garage
two straps as opposed to a bunch of bolts and the wiring at the rear seemed to me to be a whole lot easier. I only had about a 1/4 tank of fuel and access to a cheap motorcycle jack. I also have used just a floor jack before by myself to drop the tank to replace a leaking return line.
Old 11-03-2009, 10:55 PM
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Originally Posted by patdaly
Why are you changing the module?

If the fuel gauge doesn't work, the sender is available for 45 bucks, and if your lines are rotten at the top, you can either get a remanned unit from Dodge for 150 bucks or a Vulcan draw straw for 49.

They are also available on Ebay cheap.....
Sounds like your fuel sending rheostat is shot and patdaly has the right answer. Mine did the same thing, ran out of fuel when the gauge read quarter tank full, it's a common problem. I pulled the tank and replaced the tank sending unit, 60 dollars, and all was good. Just beware of the funky plastic clips that hold the fuel lines on at the tank, there is a trick to removing them without breaking them.

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