You can handle the fuel tank removal more easily on 1998 and newer Sephia and Spectra models if you take out all the fuel before you start. The tank doesn't have a plug to drain the fuel, so you must use a siphoning kit that anyone can buy at auto parts stores to get the fuel out. Under no circumstances should you begin the siphon process with your mouth. To begin, relieve the fuel system pressure. Pull off the negative power cord from its connection on the battery. Put the car up in the air and keep it supported by steel jackstands. Detach the hose connections that bring fuel into and return it from the fuel pump/gauge sender. There's no need to drain tank fuel when it's already low in content. When there's still a lot of fuel left in the tank, take off the fuel pump/fuel gauge sending unit to let you suck remaining fuel out of the tank through the fuel pump's original hole. Take out all the pipes and power links connected to the fuel pump. To protect the fuel tank, prop it up with either a transmission jack or a floor jack - place a stable board between the jack head and the fuel tank to keep it safe. Examine the EVAP hose where it connects to two other systems, repair or replace any parts that show cracks, punctures, or other signs of wear in the tubing. Separate the fuel filler hose from the fuel tank pipe, study its condition for damage and find replacements when needed. Step 1: Take out the exhaust tube, then unlock the heat shield from the lower fuel tank surface. Take off the fuel tank retaining strap bolts, and your truck will release its fuel tank. You can either swing down the straps or take them out completely. Carefully lower the fuel tank. Pull out the fuel pump/fuel gauge sending unit if you need to before you move further. To reinstall the fuel tank, repeat what you did during removal; hook up the cable to the negative battery terminal, start the engine, and look for fuel leaks.
