dropping an 04 silverado gas tank?

[Motomack86]

I need to lower my gas tank in my 2oo4 chevy silverado ext cab 2wd.Im installing new leaf spring hangers and need access to the backside of the frame rail.I just need to lower it down a bit and move it away from the frame a couple of inches so i can install the new bolts.I was just curious if anyone has experience with this job and had any suggestions. Thanks

[Speed_Dreams]

so you just wanna lower it outta the way and not drop it completly? I would think you could just unbolt the hangers for the tanks and use a couple jacks to suport it while your working on your truck

[Motomack86]

yeah thats what i was thinking but ive never tried to lower a gas tank,and i thought there may be some wires or something that i need to remove before moving it.new cars have so many wires and sensors you never know what to expect.

[EstoMax]

just as a precaution u might wanna drive ur tank to nearly empty b4 u mess with it less chance of a big bang

max

[Zero102]

Plus it's lighter.
On a truck, most are around 100 litres... that's quite a bit of weight.
It would be much easier on a nearly-empty tank.
Although, the safest thing would be a completely full tank. No air, no boom, just ask welders.
There will be a fuel level sender in there.
Find it first, and take a look at where the wiring runs, see if you can loosen it for a few inches, that should give you enough slack to move the tank.

[Speed_Dreams]

you also have to un bolt the filler neck so you can lower the tank. and yes a full tank of gas is safest if your welding or working with open flame. but if your just using wrenches and hand tools drive till its almost empty

[Motomack86]

I finally installed the hangers over the weekend,the gas tank was not even an issue.I only had to unclip one wiring harness and remove the straps holding the tank and i was able to drop it 2 inches and then slide it away from the frame about 4 inches which gave me plenty of room to work.I didnt even have to remove the filler neck.The hard part was grinding the rivets off the old hangers.Anyways thanks for the input.