Do I need to drain the fuel? And what is the best replacement fuel pump, or anybody converted to an inline pump? If so how is it?

 

No, you don't need to but it's a heck of a lot easier if you do. Add 7 pounds per every gallon that's left in the tank. Plus it's sloshing around so it's hard to balance. Best replacement is a Denso pump. That's what the factory put in it. Never heard of converting to an inline pump and don't see any benefit on a stock engine. Just more headache down the road.

 

Inline pumps are easier to service without dropping the tank. They are more prone to vapor lock, and in any case, OEM Denso tends to be high quality and is what I'd go with.

 

Some of these tanks get build up in them that looks like rust. I have cleaned many tanks and not pitting in them from what looked like rust. Reason I say that is every tank that I have pulled the drain plug out of, the build up would cause a leak at the threads. I would suggest not pulling the drain plug.

I have cleaned tanks and tried to pull the plug afterwards and it would still leak. I do not remove the plug at all now. If it does leak, you can have the threads retapped or I just use a product called Red Kote to seal the leak.

I suggest tilting the bed to access the pump. Trying to drop the tank, there is not much slack in the lines and with fuel in the tank, it can be a handful. I use my transmission jack for lowering tanks.

 

Dude, lift the bed off. Six or eight bolts, disconnect wiring at rear, fuel fill and two people lift it off. No dirt in the face, no fuel tank squishing you, easy. Replace with an OEM pump for best results. I'd still rather remove all my tools, then my toolbox, and lift the bed, than try to drop the tank, even with help.

 

Thanks everyone, well I live on a military base so I have to be very careful about who see me working on my truck since it's not allowed, removing the bed would have been nice but that wasn't an option, instead I dropped it and reinstalled it with a flashlight in my mouth mostly by feel. It was a pain in the ass but it got done. Now onto the lift and breaks. And I'm running stock gears on my 89 22r 2wd with 30's any suggestions on what I could be doing better?

 

I haven't messed with 2wd in some time and not sure what size tires and lift. As far as brakes, as long as you get them in in great condition and operating like they should, I feel the stock system is plenty for these trucks. I had to go thru everything on my truck as not one single part was good and when done, it stopped like a completely different truck.

 

Many military posts have an MWR "Auto Craft Shop" where you can do this sort of stuff, rent lifts and tools etc. Have you checked on this at yours?

 

Man, I miss that. Nice warm/cool/dry place, lift bays, tool loans, dang that was nice.

 

Sounds like a pretty dang good reason to join the military...