Anyone Got A Quick How To?

bassadict69 · November 21, 2008

Looks like I will be replacing the fuel pump this weekend. I have heard it will be easier to remove the bed than drop the tank so that is the route we plan to take.

Anyone have a write-up for doing this? I could probably figure it out as we go, but would love to have the added help!

Draenor · November 21, 2008

There are 6 bolts holding the bed, Pull them. Next is to remove the filler neck and ground strap. I know in the GMT400 there was also another ground strap in the read of the truck, if this is the case remove it also. Get some burly guys and lift. If you dont have any help you can use a jack and lift the bed up. Once up, just scoot the bed over to get to the pump.

bassadict69 · November 21, 2008

Thanks a bunch!

Are the bed bolts just regular bolts or do they require a special tool? Also, I think I remember reading a special tool needed to remove the fuel lines or something from the pump?

What about the harness to the taillights? Will that have to be disconnected or something?

Draenor · November 21, 2008

Thanks a bunch!

Are the bed bolts just regular bolts or do they require a special tool? Also, I think I remember reading a special tool needed to remove the fuel lines or something from the pump?

What about the harness to the taillights? Will that have to be disconnected or something?

Just good ol nuts in the frame. The wire harnes can stay, unless you want to completely remove the bed. All that is needed is to swing the front half over to the right a foot to gain access to the tank.

Zembonez · November 21, 2008

Thanks a bunch!

Are the bed bolts just regular bolts or do they require a special tool? Also, I think I remember reading a special tool needed to remove the fuel lines or something from the pump?

What about the harness to the taillights? Will that have to be disconnected or something?

Just good ol nuts in the frame. The wire harnes can stay, unless you want to completely remove the bed. All that is needed is to swing the front half over to the right a foot to gain access to the tank.

You should be able to unbolt it and lift it high enough just on the one side to remove the pump and sending unit assy. In fact. I'd leave the other side very loosely connected with a couple of bolts and just hinge it on that side using them if I were doing it. Just block up the side you are working on and you never have to remove the bed.

bassadict69 · November 21, 2008

Lifting one side definately sounds like the way to go...I am assuming there is no need to worry about anything under there bending just lifting one side like that.

Ya'll are a lifesaver! I definately appreciate the help!

Zembonez · November 21, 2008

Lifting one side definately sounds like the way to go...I am assuming there is no need to worry about anything under there bending just lifting one side like that.

Ya'll are a lifesaver! I definately appreciate the help!

Use caution. If you are careful, it should go just fine. I'd have somebody watch it while you lift. Just make sure the other side is loose enough to allow for it to move freely. Keep in mind that the bed may shift that direction when you lift one side but the bolts will keep it from going far. You'll have to slide it back where you want it on the mounts when you are ready to bolt it back down. There is a fair amount of adjustment there.

bassadict69 · November 21, 2008

Anyone know what size torx I need to remove the filler neck?

Draenor · November 21, 2008

Good question.... IIRC 12 ... I am probably wrong. If anything, sometimes you can cheat and use a flat head screw driver.

alwcurlz · November 21, 2008

Thanks a bunch!

Are the bed bolts just regular bolts or do they require a special tool? Also, I think I remember reading a special tool needed to remove the fuel lines or something from the pump?

What about the harness to the taillights? Will that have to be disconnected or something?

BTW, did your mechanic say the pump was bad because of the lack of fuel pressure, or because the fuel pump does not run? I would change the filter first, before tearing into the fuel pump! Fuel pumps last longer than 100,000 miles.

It is not necessary to remove the bed whatsoever. GM did not design it that way. I've replaced my fuel pump sending unit last month and I just dropped the fuel tank. Removing the truck bed is waaay more difficult. It's like removing your front fenders to replace the shocks. Not necessary. I've done it both ways and I'll never do it with removing the bed. You're only introducing more problems by removing the bed. If you need to replace the fuel pump, I'll give you some tips with my first hand experience.

alwcurlz · November 21, 2008

I should mention that removing the bed isn't an option, just that the fuel tank CAN be lowered from underneath.

Draenor · November 21, 2008

But the way GM designed the pump to fail is when you have a full tank of gas. Lifting a 150lb tank of gas by youself is no fun.

alwcurlz · November 21, 2008

But the way GM designed the pump to fail is when you have a full tank of gas. Lifting a 150lb tank of gas by youself is no fun.

I thought of that after posting but, thought I'd get an answer about the fuel filter.

I ended up with only 5 gallons of fuel at the end of my weekend planned fuel sending unit replacement venture. when I dropped my tank, it was still a bit awkward but, removing a pickup box and tilting it by yourself isn't easy either. I was going to buy some cheap gas cans and fill them with the fuel I could get out of the tank before dropping it.

Many people have been running the past months on very low fuel levels which ends up burning out fuel pumps for lack of fuel/cooling. Not sure about GM truck fuel pumps though, maybe it doesn't matter?

bassadict69 · November 22, 2008

He did not say specifically other than that the pump pressure was ZERO.

I am all ears to any info on dropping the tank!

alwcurlz · November 22, 2008

He did not say specifically other than that the pump pressure was ZERO.

I am all ears to any info on dropping the tank!

Well, when you are ready to remove the fuel tank, you'll need to brace the tank at the front and back or with a transmission lift or motorcycle hoist. First, you'll need to remove the filler hose. There is another smaller hose inside the hose you see which which goes further into the tank. It may take some doing to remove that hose as it is right behind the frame. Make sure you brush away blow away debris like dirt/dust so it does not fall into the tank inlet. Remove the two bolts that hold the straps in place , and remove the straps as well. The straps will come out by twisting them and pushing up into the mounting bracket on the truck. Next, lower the tank enough that you can get around the tank to remove the electrical connector to the fuel pump, and fuel inlet/outlet/vent lines. Be careful of the fuel and vent lines as they are plastic, thin and can kink. Mine kinked but, didn't hurt them bad enough to cause a problem like steel lines would. There are several clasps that hold the fuel lines against the tank that need to be removed before dropping the tank any further. Those fuel line and vent lines are quick connect/disconnect and come off fairly easily. Examine them and sqeeze the area appropriate to expand the little catches. One fuel line from the front will let gas run out for a bit so watch out to not be right in the face of it. Once everything is disconnected, you can simply lower the tank enough to move it away from the truck. And yes, that handle/strap on the tank is standard equipment for something, heheh. Dragging it back under the truck for installing. Before removing the fuel pump, if like mine, it was buried in Texas gravel road dust and I had to dig/brush/blow it out.

But, before considering all this, I would REALLY suggest replacing the fuel filter and see if that solves anything. You can get replacement fuel pumps on ebay for way less than $300 by the way. That is if you have time to shop around. Here is one that is Buy It Now for $99 or best offer + shipping!