Hi all,
I need to replace my rear front lateral links on my car. That's not the problem though. The problem is the fuel tank is in the way of the bolt coming out all the way. It appears all I have to do is undo the bolts and carefully lower the tank down but I just wanted to check to see if I'm under estimating the difficulty to do this. Any advise or tips?

Thanks!

 

Just taking a look in the shop book, they have you lower what I consider to be a cradle or carrier (the main body of the rear suspension that the lats bolt to) in order to gain access to the bolts.

 

Interesting because I had the rear of the car jacked on stands and was looking at it and the bolts holding the straps that hold the tank were very easy to see

 

Doesn't mean there isn't more then one way to do things.

Personally, I'd be nervous dropping the tank if I don't have to. GM designed the cars with access to get to the fuel pump without dropping the tank, so there *might* be reasons we don't see recommending against dropping the tank. Also, the tank on these cars is made of plastic, they are not steal.

Just food for thought. I'm guessing there is less involved lowering that cradle.....

 

Damn, I wanted to need to redo my rear lat links but this doesn't sound as easy as I thought it was going to be...

Good info Maniac, thank you.

Johnny

 

I don't really have a choice. I have to at least lower just the back of the gas tank so I can get the bolt out cuz my lateral links desperately need to be changed. I think I can figure something out, I was just looking for some advise

 

If you must lower the gas tank, you're going to need to do this:

Take off your gas cap. Release the pressure via the fuel rail. Go in your trunk or under your backseat. Disconnect the fuel lines going to the pump/sending unit. Disconnect/unbolt filler neck. Remove any hoses coming from the tank. Hopefully you won't need to drop the exhaust. Get a floor jack with a big head, so you can lower the tank. Remove your straps and make sure the jack fits flush and the tank will not fall, it would be a good idea to have someone help you.

 

Thanks all!

 

That sucks. I know sometimes what the shop book claims vs what you have infront of you can vary. Normally the book is fairly spot on, but I'll nibble, I've seen it happen where the book is also "perfect" and "ideal" conditions.

I hope it pans out no matter what you have to do to make it happen!!

Can also use a piece of plywood on the saddle of a jack for more surface area to support the tank. Trick is balancing. Try to do it with an empty tank too.

 

Any updates? So, do you in fact have to lower the tank? I'll be checking this weekend on my rig just wanted to see if you have had any progress?