artie

I have a 2000 Silverado with a surging gas gauge and after searching
the other posts, I see it is a common problem. My question is: what
would be easier to do to replace the sending unit in the gas tank,
remove the bed or drop the gas tank. For anyone that has removed the
bed, how easy/hard is it? Thanks in advance.

ed h.

I have had to pull the 17 gallon gas tank on my '78 Scout a few times and
have found I can lower it using only my muscle power as long as it is empty.

I suggest using a siphon pump (about $5) to drain it, then build a
non-sparking support (I used layered wood blocks) a few inches below the
thank. Put a a piece of wood between a floor jack and the tank, removed the
straps holding the tank and slowly lower it on to the surrounding
non-sparking supports. That way you can look for and disconnect anything
that may cause a problem lowering it (i.e. sending unit wires, fuel line,
etc.) enough to pull the tank out from under the vehicle.

If you use a flash light to peer around any open fuel lines, spend a few
extra dollars to get an intrinsically safe (Cat 1, Div II) model or at least
turn it on and off away from any gas vapors.


However, I do recomend putting some non-sparking support (wood blocks) under
a

fgmartinez

I did the opposite...I simply took off the bed. This can probably only
be done if you have the proper equipment, however. There are about 6
bolts that connect the bed to the frame. If you have a tractor with a
frontloader with forks then pull it up behind the truck and use
heavy-duty straps to attach to the bed. Be sure that you are in the
center of the bed and all of that, otherwise you'll lose the load.
Unscrew the bolts and raise the bed...be sure you back straight up so
that it is easier to realign when you have to put it back. This method
will give you much easier access to the tank without having to get on
your hands and knees too much. Both ways work but this may be a lot
more simple if you have the right stuff. Good luck!


In Christ Alone

steve w.

Pull the bed. Much easier than attempting to drop a tank with gas in it.
Remove the bed bolts, Disconnect the rear light wiring harness,
remove the screws holding the fuel filler line to the box. Drop the
spare tire. Now have a buddy come over and help you lift the bed off. If
you have access to a tractor with a loader or similar then you can sling
the bed and lift it with that. Once you have the bed off you can tip it
up, wash it down real good and scrub any rust off then undercoat it
before you put it back on. You could also paint the frame while you have
it apart.

--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York

battleax

Dropping the tank is so much easier than removing the bed. What on earth are
you people talking about?
Why is everyone so afraid of removing gas tanks in chev trucks? it's a lot
easier than replacing a windshield wiper switch.