I've heard that after dropping the stock fuel tank, then re-installing, that it's possible that the fuel gauge will read a "false empty" - meaning you still have fuel (above the reserve amount) in the tank, but the fuel gauge shows you're empty. Has anyone had this issue and/or do you know what would cause this "false empty" read?

 

Yes, the float can get hung up on something if the sending unit assembly isn't reinstalled correctly. I've had my tank out about 4-5 times and I've screwed it up once anyway. I believe mine always read full and the float was stuck on the baffle in the tank. I just pulled it out and stuck it back in and it was fine. You might also pull the plug and make sure the pins are ok before you pull the entire tank.

 

Not sure about your year but on my 01 there is an alignment mark for the cannister that needs to line up with an alignment mark on the tank. If not aligned the float will not be able swing properly.