Chevy Fuel Pump Replacement - Bed Tilt Method

[@matthewkaragich615]

Just did this to a 2000 dakota. Almost identical setup. I didnt have the bumper issue. 1 plug in the back for the tail light. I used a couple scissor jacks on the frame to lift it high enough to get jack stands under it. My tank had 20 gallons in it and i didnt have 20 gallons of storage to empty it. I would 100% do this again on my truck. Im 65 and it took me 2 hours total. Thanks for your video.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

@@matthewkaragich615 I’m glad it was so easy for you! Thanks for the comment.

[@FirebirdSeth]

Thank you for the honest advice. I got friends in my ear that I should lift the bed, now I will definitely just drop the tank and empty it. I think this is much safer too.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Both ways work; neither is easy. Good luck!!

[@robjones8733]

Yup, just dropped one on my 89 K1500, drop tank day one, install pump day two, lift tank back in day three. Getting it back up aint easy, but it''s and running good 🙂

[@tomland5837]

Thank you for your informative and honest video. I really appreciate you taking the time to both video and comment on the whole process. I will be undergoing this same procedure in the coming days!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Glad it was helpful! Like I said, I wouldn't do it that way again.

[@IamDerick]

Thanks for that, 14 inches clearance and all that other stuff you did sold me on the siphon and drop approach. Cheers.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Ive done both and much prefer to drop the tank. Good luck!

[@McChevy]

Thank you, cause I was thinking of raising the Bed..... I will drop the tank.... Grate video!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

There is less risk of damaging something than taking the "Short Cut"

[@danielmeraz2513]

I did my 96 c2500 just like this. Didnt have to remove the rear bumper just put a rag inbetween the bed and bumper to avoid damage. I worked alone but if i had help i would have took the bed off instead of tilting it. I also had to remove my reciever hitch and my goosneck ball plate that was bolted thru my bed into my frame. Just takes time. Be patient . Great video

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Good to know. Thanks for the comment!

[@deans2917]

When I did the drop the tank method the 34 gl FULL tank was heavy and I had the jack. Nope. never do that again. Myself is 8 bolts unplug wiring harness one one screw and one torx. I then use my cherry picker with a crow bar in it and rope in a cross across the bed. Having a dually and exhaust behind the wheel will not allow me to roll it.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Glad that worked for you. With an empty tank, it is way easier to drop the tank.

[@jonleone777]

Did this on my dodge. I used a wooden stool next to the rear tire and placed a high lift jack on top of it to lift the bed. I also took out the stock bed bolts on the opposite side of the truck with longer bolts so i could lift the bed higher. Worked out good.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Glad it worked out!

[@donspirz4199]

I find tilting the bed as the easier way of getting to the fuel pump. I did a 2001 Ford Ranger and it went very smooth for me. Maybe here in Hawaii we have less rust under our vehicles. I only had 6 bolts on the Ford Ranger from inside the bed. Removed 4 bolts and just backed out the other 2 by the rear side of the bed. No wire disconnects, only the fuel inlet pipe with 3 screws.I did tilt my bed on the Ranger from the cab side and tilted it from the front to the back. No removal of rear bumper or tail lights, it was a simple procedure. I propped the bed by the back of the cab on both sides of the cab. I had to replace 2 fuel lines on the pump top where it goes into the tank, they were those nylon lines and they were cracked and spraying gas all over the place. For me it was the easier way and I have a 1991 GMC Sierra with a trailer hitch and a full tank of gas that I will replacing it's fuel pump in about a week and again I elect doing the tilt bed method only because after doing it this way, it was a lot easier for me to get the job done and I'm 69 yrs old and could do the job myself. I done numerous drop tanks and that for me is a lot harder and time consuming. Everyone's situation is different and since my experience went very smooth, quicker with less effort, I will try this tilt method again on the 91 GMC Sierra.😉 👍🍍🤙

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I wish you the best of luck. Please reply to this post when you finish with the Sierra and let us all know if it went smoothly.

[@donspirz4199]

@@JustPlainCommonSense I just finished doing the GMC Sierra on this side using the tilt bed method. I guess I'm just lucky I could loosen my 4 bolts on the passenger side and remove the other 4 on the drivers side after using some PB blaster. Only had to remove 2 of the 8 trailer hitch bolts by using a swivel socket. Unplugged the left side tail light harness and my 2 grounds and the 3 screws on my filler neck and Wala no problems with this truck as with the Ford Ranger. The only difference was the Rangers bed was a lot lighter and I tilted the bed from front to back as the Sierra was sideways. Both trucks the bumpers did clear the fenders but only by a 1/4", just lift the bed up slowly. The problem I had was I had to have my son help me lift the bed, although this was a stepside bed it was pretty heavy and I'm getting up there in age at 70. I was thinking about trying to tilt it up from the front to the rear, of coarse switch the bolt configuration for doing it that way but a little late in trying that method. I'm wondering which way would be easier or lighter to lift? I still see the tilting the bed way easier and I've been replacing fuel pumps in cars for over 40+ years as a retired mechanic we (or I) never did or think of tilting the bed back then and maybe we do things by the book and maybe the manufacturers don't say to do it that way because of safety reasons and concerns? Maybe this Sierra will be my last one since I'm getting too old to be doing this kind of work but for my neighbors I tend to fix their cars for them so save them a few extra bucks. I like the tilt bed method only because I save more time and energy with no crawling(except loosening the bed bolts) on the ground on my back with the smell of gas and cramped places and no room to work. Just make sure it is a bad pump first or that would be a real bummer..lol Take care and Aloha 👍🤙🍍🙂

[@jonleone777]

When i did this i bought 3 6in bolts and put them in a few thresds so i could get the bed much higher. I also took the drivers rear tire off to gain better access. Worked good

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

It would have still hit the back bumper in my case.

[@HilltownCT]

That job is a pain in the back side! I dread the day I have to do it. Great vid!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Hilltown hopefully only once every 100,000 miles!

[@JohnKeehner]

Loostened the bed on at 88 silverado however slid the bed back rested it on 2x4. Leaving everything excessible. Just needed a friend to pick up bed .

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Great idea. I was all alone

[@joncrall4628]

Best Chevy fuel replacement vid ive seen. Very clear and concise. I also put a bosch in my s-10 Lower failure rate than Airtex, and the other knockoffs

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thanks Jon. I hope to never have to do another one!

[@jamesdock112]

Did this to my truck also, 2 welded nuts spun in circles ,so I used 2 - 6 inch long drills 1/8 inch & 1/4 drilled next to the bolt washer on a 30 degree angle, toward center of bolt inside of frame, then I stuck a 1/4 bolt through frame and was able to remove bolt without nut spinning, reverse this procedure to install and nut plate is re - useable. "Spark free procedure"

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Great info!!

[@bizzy156246]

When I did this A few years back I don’t remember lifting the bed this high. Also I didn’t remove the bumper. And I need to replace the pump again I don’t hear nothing when I slowly turn the key. Doubt it’s the relay. My truck is lowered I would have to put the truck on ramps to drop the gas tank

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I wanted plenty of room I guess.

[@a.johnson9400]

Wht size rims an tires u have on tht truck.offset?an rim width?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Those are 275/45R20 tires on whatever rims the tire shop could find. Slim pickings on what will fit that truck.

[@gordeymixer5494]

All this for fuel pumps😂😂. Great video

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Ridiculous ain’t it?

[@bobbyruiz7124]

I cut a hatch in my bed I have a bed cover and I never plan on getting rid of the truck so works for me

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Bobby Ruiz that’s not for me.

[@mariomartinez7182]

Legend

[@MTDixonSr]

Thats a good idea.

[@joegonzalez1941]

Just don't blow urself up, sparks flying all over the gas tank, kaboom 😅

[@wyattoneable]

It's kind of sad GM doesn't include an access panel. It would only cost a few dollars more but man it would sure make replacing the fuel pump a whole lot easier.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

wyattoneable the pump is so reliable, it would make sense.it would likely only be replace once or twice during the life of the vehicle

[@JeffTimm-wu2dl]

When I replaced mine I took of the whole box then I rusted proofed and changed the gear lube

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Good deal.

[@robertwoody6650]

Thanks for the advice im going to drop the tank again.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Hard to mess anything up that way. Good Luck!

[@NorthCoastT]

Thank you for all the information in this video!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

You’re welcome. I hope it helps you out

[@NorthCoastT]

@@JustPlainCommonSense It did, it helped me decide to just cut a hole in the bed lol. Mine is definitely not as nice as yours.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

@@NorthCoastT I just can’t do that to save a couple hours but understand why someone would do it.

[@jeffro221]

I have a '94 Chevy with 145k miles that has a working pump in the tank (I think original. I'm the 2nd owner). I have a new pump here, and I"m walking through replacing mine. But I want to get set up to do it anywhere, any time, with no help. I know when it finally gives out, it will likely have a full tank and not be at home. I don't want to deal with all that gas and trying to disconnect all that stuff after lowering the tank some small amount, layng on the ground, working in the gap under the bed. Mine also has a receiver, but on first look around, there does not appear to be any reason to remove it or the bumper. There is clear access to all 8 bolts. I could use my angle grinder to relieve a little material on that right side corner of the bumper where your bed contacted it, then pad it. Looks like not much material would have to be ground off to clear the bed as it comes up. And replace the right side bolts with longer ones as one commenter said earlier to maybe allow a little higher tilt. I could carry my 4' tall Hi-Lift jack in the bed everywhere (bed is covered with a lockable flat fiberglass lid) for lifting the bed via the wheel well. It is a 6.5' long bed, so the wheel well is pretty centered. Cut a few 2x4's of the correct lengths to brace under the bed as backup to my high-lift. Add braces enough so in case the high lift in tne wheel well gets in my way, I can just remove it and still be safe. I'm going to do a dress rehersal to resolve any glitches and learn how long to cut brace pieces. Clean the top of the tank real thoroughly, then carry the Hi-Lift, line wrenches, new pump, and other tools needed for when the time comes. After watching lots of videos, and with my desire to tool up to do it solo anywhere, I think this might be my best bet. I did one in the past where I just disconnected everything under the bed, and suspended it 6" above the frame with an engine hoist, then pulled the truck out from under it. But that requires doing it at home. If my receiver and bumper had to come off like yours, I would not do the tilt method either. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

If you are going to go though all that it may be easier to just do it at home before it quits and leaves you stranded in a bad place.

[@jeffro221]

@@JustPlainCommonSense I thouhgt about doing it preemptively, but I think it might be running on the original pump now, and I hate to disturb it when you consider than even name brand pumps are not what they used to be. I could be opening up a can or worms. My replacement pump is a Delphi, but auto parts are so hit and miss these days I'm inclined to wait until the original one dies naturally.

[@jeffro221]

@@JustPlainCommonSense Well, I just changed out mine, and I agree with you....never going to do the bed tilt method again. I didn't have to take my receiver off. As I raised it up with my Hi-Lift jack, and kept grinding some off that right corner of the bumper, it still kept bumping into that corner as I rasied the bed further, so I pulled the bumper off. When I got it up enough I had decent access, and wired a jack stand in place for safety, with the Hi Lift on some blocks holding the bed up. Turned out the previous owner had replaced the original with an Airtex, and it had obviously been in there many years as it was a mess. The pump was still working, but the strainer and little rubber connector hose had gotten bad. The hose was all spongy and ballooned. So I rebuilt the assembly with a Delphi pump, new strainer and hose. I still want to be able to change it out again any time, anywhere by myself, but bed tilt is a no-go for me also. I'm going to carefully mark where to put a hatch in the bed and go that way. I'll do it carefully and not do a hack job. Just thought I'd let you know after doing the bed tilt too, I agree with you, it's pretty much a pain.

[@adamchiaramonte7883]

Everyone is telling me to do this. Now I'm just going to cut the strap that I cant unbolt and use a tie down when I put it back up lol. Thank you

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I've done it both ways and dropping the fuel tank is easier (for me).

[@adamchiaramonte7883]

@@JustPlainCommonSense I'm cutting it from the top lol. I broke a bolt on one of the straps lol I need it fixed asap.

[@tater0909]

I e never done it this way. I’ve always dropped the tank. Not sure I’ll do it this way next time

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Best stick with dropping the tank!

[@tater0909]

Just Plain Common Sense yep. That’s what I’ve always done

[@orlandozuniga1991]

Life saver

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Whoa!!! That’s a huge compliment! Thank you very much!

[@bobbybruchetta2649]

Thanks bro.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Chad G you’re welcome.

[@jamesgilbreath7985]

Yep it aint real eazy. I've tried it both ways. For me, I damaged less just raising the bed and pulling the truck completely away.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I bent the heck out of my fender when it was pinched between the bumper and the fender. The receiver hitch was in the way too. It was a real pain in the tail...

[@deans2917]

@@JustPlainCommonSense Wondering why you had to remove the receiver? In the trucks that I did that was never a thought and the same for the bumper?

[@JeffTimm-wu2dl]

The box is easy to take off

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

More than one way

[@chevy6299]

Boy was I wrong! I thought for sure that would have been easier but sure was wrong.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The fact that I had nearly a full tank was what lured me into thinking it was the easier way to go.

[@dominicmiller7274]

@@JustPlainCommonSense couldn't just empty the tank with a siphoner and then drop the tank? I can't speak to much on this for I just cut hole in bed of truck and access it that way.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Dominic Miller yes you can! This is the alternative method that so many on YT claim is the easier method so I had to give it a shot. Never again!

[@Mr.Adolvera]

Most likely ill have to change the pump No way im doing all that I'm cutting over the box Good video btw

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

If there is a next time, i'll remove the tank.

[@jogmas12]

I only have 6 bolts, 3 each side, one ground wire and one harness plug. That’s it.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Good deal. Thanks for the comment. I hope you got the pump replaced without any problems.

[@percybaldwin2237]

Thanks I will drop my tamk.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Good luck. I hope it is nearly empty and easy to remove

[@tammyhollingsworth465]

That was complicated. 😳

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Just too much trouble to get a simple job accomplished.

[@JesusSanchez-xu2is]

What stupid place to put the fuel pump...

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Not going to disagree with you t all but I think MOST ALL fuel pumps ar in the tank now.