I got a lot of water last time I fueled, so I'm going to drop the tank and clean it real good. Any Tips or things to look out for?

 

ya make sure it is close to empty, and put a larger aftermarket one back in

 

be sure to disconnect and loosen the rubber hose from the filler cap and the vapor return line there as well before you drop it. Use a floor jack and a large flat piece of 3/4"plywood to lower it down easy while you peek over the top for all those strain relief clamps holding the hoses.

Piece of cake.

Blow it off with the air hose before you disconnect the top ring and hose connection plate, saves getting the crap out later...even if you are cleaning it out anyway. Just one less handful of crap to deal with.

Going back in, be sure to lube the big o-ring...so it doesn't tear when you turn the lock ring on top.

Oh yea,

Have a second person helping, it's awkward as all hell.

 

I had a jack on one side and me on the other when I dropped/installed mine and it worked well. Make sure you are under 1/4 tank and install and Drawstraw while it's down.

TK

 

Ive heard about guys using ratchet straps to lower the tank or a study chunk of plywood under your floorjack.

 

Not sure on an 02 but there is a brake line between the frame and the tank that likes to rot out. Take a looksy when you have it down.

I would either clean your fuel straps well and paint them before re-installing or just buy new ones, they are cheap and are prone to rust and fail.

This last comment may be overkill but on the first Gens, the frames rotted starting from behind the fuel tank because all the crud would get trapped in there. Would not be a bad idea if you plan on keeping the truck forever like me to wire wheel the area of frame behind the tank and paint it with POR15 or Chassis saver.

 

Just my .02 ;
I've used a couple of ratcheting load straps (1" wide) placed near the permanent tank straps to lower the tank and then to re-install. I'm able to do the job myself this way. I should add that I siphon all but the last gallon or two out of the tank after I remove the filler pipe and vent tube before removal.

Have fun no matter how you do it....

 

I dont know if the 02's have the same electrical connection at the module as the 97 but it was the hardest part of the job disconnecting the darn thing without breaking it, cant give U any real good advice cause its been so long but pull the red retainer and make sure U have it unclipped and pull like heck.

 

yeah Id save the job till youre real low on fuel and pump the remaining fuel into a couple jerry cans. Then the tank is very light.
Or you can use a couple motorcycle jacks. That worked real well for me.