[lap15]

Whenever you get a truck of this vintage it's always a good idea to drop the tank, clean it out and replace the fuel lines. I did this to both my '75 and my '79 (going to do my '86 this spring) and it makes a big difference with how they run. It's easy! Don't mess with the straps! Unbolt it from the frame by removing six of the eight bolts. Loosen the last two but keep them in. Most bolts have grease on them from the drive shaft so they should not be rusty and come off easily. Don't worry about the fuel lines-but be careful with the sending unit wires. I agree 100% with either lifting the bed or taking it off completely. I did it myself with no help. Just take your time. Make sure your tank is as empty as possible. I tied it up (front and back) with some twine to hold it while I remove the last two bolts and lowered it onto a thick cardboard box. Then I cut the twine and gently lowered it down. Unhook your wires and you're good to go. Once you have it out, tape off the lines, hose it off and scrub it with some cleaner. Check it carefully for pinholes or leaks. When it dries take a screwdriver and hammer and tap off the lock ring and gasket and remove the sending unit. Make sure the float is free and looks good. Clean the pick up screen with some solvent and set the sending unit aside. Drain the tank, let it dry, and wipe it out with some solvent that will evaporate completely (I use surface prep). Once tank is clean, give it a nice coat of paint and reinstall. Getting it back in is easier because it's empty and a lot lighter. I use the same technique. Slide a box or something under it to lift it up. Make all of your connections (hoses & electrical)- I actually added 6 or 8 inches of fuel line to make it easier. Line up and put one bolt on the front and one on the back to hold it up. Line up the other bolts and tighten them up- that's it.