I have a 1990 fullsize Jimmy with some crap in the tank. I changed the fuel filter recently because it kept popping the fuel pump fuse. I cut the old filter apart and it looked like someone threw a handfull of mud in the filter. I've never seen a fuel filter that bad in my life. It's still popping the fuse from time to time. So now I plan on dropping the tank and cleaning it out. I bought a new Bosch Platinum fuel pump and strainer sock. The sock is probably toast at the least. I've done this job a couple of times in my Turbo Regals, but this truck presents some added challenges due to the fact that it is lifted six inches with 35s on it. Also, there is a steel shield plate that covers the tank straps. I will have to remove that before I can even get to the straps. Does anyone have any ideas to make the job alittle easier? I have used all but 1/8th of the tank of gas to make it alittle lighter.

 

wellll theres always the discussion of cutting a hole in the floor to get at the sending unit then pump the tank out that way.

but ive owned many 6inch lifted trucks, in my opinion it actually makes it easier as you dont have to jack the truck up. yeah just take that skid guard down and then support the tank with a jack and take the straps off. the rubber lines going to the sending unit are kinda short so you have to tip the tank sideways a bit then get up there and losen them... i usually just cut them and replace them as its easier IF you can do that with your year. ive only owned older k5 blazers with carburetors so that was no big deal

 

Thanks for the tips. How is the skid guard attached? Is it hinged on one side or bolted straight in? I guess I'll find out. I'm definitely not cutting a hole in the floor.

 

There are three bolts on the front of the skid plate and three bolts on the back. If you look it will be very obvious.

 

i ran into a problem years ago trying to drop down the skid guard, it actually hit the hitch and it wouldnt come out without removing the hitch and the hitch was in there for a long time, didnt want to mess with its. i ended up having the cut the 3 tabs in the back of the skid guard to get it out

 

You know what PITA stands for. I dropped the tank today and cleaned it out with a gallon of methanol. I installed the new pump and sock. Tommorrow I will put the tank back in. I had to remove the rear bumper to gain access to the bolts for the skid plate. With the hitch in the way, there was no other option. I think it stupid that GM designed this in this way. PITA all day long!

 

The tank is back in and the truck runs again. I'm going to hold off on the rear bumper for now because someone hit it when the previus owner had it. It doesn't make any sense to put a damaged part back on. I will be ordering a new rear bumper from LMC as soon as I can.

 

I got my new bumper today from LMC. I paid for the premium chrome bumper. It looks thinner and has very sharp edges. I hate to see what a piece of crap the regular one must be.

 

Speaking of LMC, I have noticed lately that the parts I have been ordering from that have been getting worse and worse, quality-wise. I order from Classic Parts.com now or Classic Industries.