replaced fuel tank in my 1976

[88Jimmy4x4]

Well with all the threads about fires and stuff I decided to check my fuel, filler and vent hoses...boy were they dry rotted and cracked (for 36 years old though its expected). Even though my sending unit worked fine and fuel tank wasnt leaking I went ahead and replaced everything. My truck only has 2 line sending unit, one for fuel other is vent to charcoal cannister. The fuel tank is made by Spectra and made in Canada so that was a nice surprise. I bought an AC-Delco sending unit, part numbers for everything listed below.

1976 GMC Sierra C15 SWB 16 gallon passenger side single tank:

1. Spectra fuel tank p/n GM-11A
2. AC-Delco sending unit p/n 25000610
3. LMCtruck filler hose p/n 32-3302 (trimmed to fit about 1/2" too long)
4. LMCtruck vent hose p/n 32-3310 (trimmed to fit about 1" too long)
5. LMCtruck anti-squeak strips p/n 32-5816
6. 3/8" x 3 feet gates safety stripe fuel hose (3ft) p/n 2704
7. 5/16" x 3 feet gates safety stripe fuel hose (3ft) p/n 2703

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...ic,9294.0.html


I followed these instructions and removed it just fine. I will add though that for an early 1976 truck like mine replacing entire tank, I would add a few steps that made it alot easier.

For removal, I would suggest removing the clamp thats on top of frame rail that holds the small rubber fuel lines, plus remove small hoses from lines on frame rail. Also, disconnect ground wire from frame rail located near bracket bolts and push thru frame rail grommet hole. This allows you push lines over frame rail and disconnect from sending unit once tank is on ground. All you will need to reach up and disconnect is power wire which just pushes on, no tools needed above tank.

For installation (any year), you should leave the forward front bracket strap nut loose so you can adjust bracket location (tighten rear most strap fully as the frame hole is not large enough to access with socket). Chances of you getting 8 holes exact in position while tank on ground is unlikely, but this allows you to move it some to align holes. Also, have extra length for supply and vent ($1.29/ft oreillys), I bought about 3 feet each 3/8 and 5/16, then cut to fit once tank was bolted up, then I installed the frame hold down clamp for the hoses.

Anyway, these things along with great write-up from Chris made for an easy removal and install.

[frog210]

i also changed my gas tank on my 74
one question do
my factory gas tank straps wouldnt reach its like my tank was 1/2 in wider
did yours first on the first go or ???

[88Jimmy4x4]

I remembered you posting that yours didnt fit during all this and when I first tried mine they didnt fit either. However, upon looking at my factory gas tank I noticed the flange around tank was bent down at bracket area. I also noticed the new tanks flange was not bent down so I took some channellocks and bent it down, then bent it approx 90 degrees with a rubber mallet. Once matching the new tank flange to the old tank flange shape the factory straps/bracket fit perfectly, in fact I had to use a deep socket on nut I had so much threads.

Another tip......when removing factory bracket/strap assembly....dont bend strap and remove assembly from bottom.....just remove stud thru bracket and slide to left and/or to the right thus retaining that straps shape, if you notice mine look wet and thats from liquid wrench. I did this and had no issues whatsoever, went back together like it should and is nice and tight.