winner172

I am planning to replace my fuel tank sender this weekend.<br>was wondering which is easier dropping the tank or lifting the bed? I've dropped the tank on other cars before but have never tried to lift the bed and I am wondering how involved it is? also will I need a new gasket for the fuel module?

turbospl311

I just did this last weekend. I dropped the tank. I did make sure I was way down on fuel (best guess since gauge did not work). It was not too difficult. Overall, it took about1.5 hours to remove tank, replace sender, and reinstall tank.

Here's how I did it (may not be the best or fastest way)

1 -remove three screws holding in filler neck.
2- loosen 2 nots holding tank up to almost completely off
3- put jack under fuel tank
4- remove nuts holding tank straps and remove straps completely
5- lower fuel tank but do not try and take it out from under truck
6- use dull chisel and rubber mallet to turn large (6&quot; diameter) plastic retaining nut on fuel pump and sender unit
7- after nut is off, gently remove the fuel pump and sender unit
8- change sender by removing and replacing 2 screws
9- slip new gasket into place (this takes care, so take your time on this step)
10- 9- slip unit back into the tank
11- Jack tank up, taking care to slip fuel filler neck back into place.
12- put straps back in place and put nuts on and tighten back in place.
13- put back in screws to hold fuel filler nack and you're done.

Sorry this is long, but work is slow today!

Don MIller

Campin Johny

Instead of replacing sender, try repairing it. The problem with mine was the wiper could move off the resistor due to a worn bearing surface on the sender. I added a collar to hold the wiper against the resistor and reinstalled. Seems to work fine now. I didn't want to replace it with an identical new unit and have the same problem in a couple years. Do a search on fuel tank sender and you will find a couple of techniques to repair it. By the way, I also dropped the tank, and used a strap wrench to remove and replace the top ring. It's real easy to cross thread so be careful on reassembly.

banshee

Winner,<br><br>I've had my sending unit out a few times and have done it both ways (raising the bed and dropping the tank) and by far it's easier to just raise the bed. There are 6 bolts holding the bed down (2 up front and 4 in the rear). I took out the front bolts and middle bolts and loosened up the rear bolts until they were almost all the way out (so the bed could pivot and not slide off . Then I just took a floor jack with about a 2' long 2x4 and jacked up the front of the bed until I had plenty of room. After it was up I supported the bed with a couple of other blocks. It's much easier to get to those pesky line fittings and such this way IMO.<br><br>John

winner172

thanks for the info.<br>I think I will raise the bed.<br>

blazinchuck

I just dropped my tank last night...it sucked. I will move the bed if this ever comes up again!Chuck

I'm trying to fix mine right now, no one has the replacment gauge...I guess I will have to go to the dealer! I thought about repairing it, but the contacts on the level strips looks worn out. Even if I press the arm in place, I can only get half the gauge to work-I'm guessing a replacment is better...any thoughts,Chuck

XLR8R

Why was the tank so hard to drop?

traindrv

I've always found it easier to pull the bed. If you have way to lift it then pull the truck up enough to get to the tank. Mine has a fifth wheel hitch so I used it as a lifting point. The problem with dropping the tank is getting all the conections off without breaking something, just a lot easier for me standing and working on the thing.

blazinchuck

the straps didn't want to slide off the 2 studs. I thought the tank would slide from under the truck-not at all. Ididn't help with everything all nasty, kinda oilly...must be a seal or something leaking some. I guess I'll wait 'til Mon. for the dealer to open and just buy a new sender.Chuck

traindrv

The part number for my 95 was 1-04797738

GAmes

My new sender came with a new gasket.

blazinchuck

I finished my replacment of the sending unit. It cost $65 from dodge. It did not come with anything else other than the sender. I would still remove the bed some before dropping the tank again. Easier to have a buddy over to help,remove some bolts,lift and move. at least you're standing up, not on your back bench-pressing a tank. It's really nice haveing a working gas gauge now. Normally I would refuel around 450-500 miles. Right now its showing 480 or so and has a 1/4 tank left. Good luck on your job,Chuck