Trendsetta's Mc

Has anyone had to replace the fuel tank on their 1996 Silverado? I have no doubt that I can do it, but just wonder if anyone has any short cuts or discovered an easier way of doing it? Is there any "watch out for..." scenarios that I need to be aware of?

I have a link to this on my forum on my personal website as well!

96 Junk That Moves

I have replaced the tank on my 96. By far the easiest way is to take the bed off, This allows you full access to all the attachment points and makes the job easier.Most dealers do it this way. IMHO

Doug Roberts

Yeah take off bed have two or three help u will take ten min after 4 bolts for bed

96 Junk That Moves

Since this is a big job I would probably replace the pump at the same time. Also look at the fuel feed and return lines as they are much easier to get to as well.

Trendsetta's Mc

Did any of you have to heat the bolts up to remove them? Did you have to replace any of the bolts? Is it a good idea to go and purchase bolts and replace them when I put the bed back on? I see a lot of different fuel tanks for my truck, not exactly sure which is the one I need or what's the benefit in each different tank. I was looking at them on the Autozone web site.

96 Junk That Moves

You should'nt need heat. Soak the bolts with PB Blaster or W-D 40. and use an impact wrench...no impact use a big breaker bar . You may need new bolts if the old ones are rusty. NO HEAT around the gas tank! I got my tank from NAPPA, to find out which tank is in your truck have the local chevy dealer run the vin# and replace it with the same size.

Trendsetta's Mc

Hey thanks for the comment, really helps a lot! For the record, I didn't plan on using heat, but if most of you had to use heat, I was going to take it to the shop and have them do it. Also, what bolts do I get if I have to replace them? I have been trying to find the OEM or better replacement bolts, but can not find any.

96 Junk That Moves

LMC Truck will have everything you need or Nappa. Bolts can be got at the local Chevy dealer or from LMCtruck.com