Dropping Your Fuel Tank
Ok I guess since i just did this ill tell you whats up. First, go to the parts store and pick up an AC/FUEL line disconnect tool for fords. Its a siccor like tool that you need to disconnect the fuel lines on top of the tank. Then, do the usual, jack the car up put it on stands. Since you just filled up its going to be a PITA. Get plenty of rags ready and some buckets. Releive the fuel pressure by unplugging the fuel sender switch(?) Its in the trunk on the left behind the luggage trim panel. It has a red button on top. Then start the car until it dies or just keeps cranking. Now disconnect the battery and make sure the terminal will not be causing any sparks.
The two bolts that hold on the fuel tank straps are 13mm? I think. Maybe 1/2, i cant remember. I like to loosen those to get a little play. Right by the bumper, on back of the tank there is a connection, disconnect that. Then unbolt the bracket holding the filler neck on(8mm). Go the fuel door and unblot the three bolts holding the filler to that bracket inside(8mm). This makes it a lot easier later. Be careful not to move the rubber gasket underneath the filler bracket because it will make it hard to screw those bolts back in.
Take your jack, prop it under the tank with a peice of wood in between so you dont damage the tank. Disconnect the straps that youve loosened, one should just swing out of the way but the other one has to either be totally taken off or have one side loose so that can it can kind of swing out of the way also. Dont bend them too much but if necessary, do so.
Now that the tank is only supported by the jack have a buddy keep it balanced while you lower it a couple of inches. Then get your hand on top of the tank and disconnect the two connections. One should be red the other grey. Now take the scissor like tool and disconnect the two fuel line connections above the fuel pump. One side is bigger than the other, but its pretty obvious which one is when you see it. You'll have to take the saftey clips off the top of those first. Use something that isnt metal because you dont want any sparks.
Now you ready to lower it. Take a bucket and put it under the fuel tank gasket because gas will spill. If you can siphon the gas out now while you still have a chance before it all spills out. In order for me to get my tank off i had to pretty much lower the left side first to have the tank slide off the filler neck. It goes in pretty far into the tank so be patient because its not too easy. Its great to have someone to help you support the tank because of the angle you have to take it down on.
Once the tank is off the neck stuff a clean rag in there and make sure no debris fall in. Then blow off the tank with some air because all kinds off rocks were on top of mine. Oh yeah, wear goggles, i was pulling crap out of my eyes for days. Pull the old gasket off being careful not to let the other half thats in the tank fall in. Replace the old with the new. It makes it easier to put vasoline or oil on the new gasket to put it back in. Just a little word of advise, do not forse it on too hard because it can rip.
I think thats it. I dont beleive i missed anything. If i see something i let you know. Good luck
I probably wont be able to do it until this weekend.... is it dangerous to drive it like this untill saturday? Thanks
