03 G.C. 3.3L Backyard Fuel Pump Replacement?

[Alphabravo]

Hi,
Has anyone tried to change the fuel pump at home? I.e. without a lift? I know you have to drop the tank and I'm pretty handy. I'm wondering if it is possible to tackle the fuel pump with just a couple of floor stands and/or ramps.

If anyone has done it and they have any tips it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[divot91]

definetly much easier when the tank is empty, when you drop the tank watch how much rubber fuel line is there, its not that old of a van, the bolts for the sending unit and pump should come out fairly easy, its not impossible in the back yard, the higher you can get the van the better off you'll be.
you'll have to buy a new strap kit to hang the tank, maybe. like i said, its really not that old, the straps may still be good enough

[Alphabravo]

Thanks for the reply! I'm going to try it within the next week or two. I'll post the results.

[Bear]

When I did my '96 I had her up on ramps and I only dropped the tank far enough to get the pump out (did not fully drop the tank), the connectors from filter to pump are delicate so be careful there and I used a strap wrench to turn the retaining ring on the pump.

[Alphabravo]

Thanks to Divot and Bear for the replies. I was actually told that it's not bad yet since it only whines a little when it is below half tank and only occasionally even then.

When the temps are below 90 and the humidity below 300% I may muster up the courage to do it and post the results.

[Bear]

It is not that hard. Be sure you have the tank low on fuel and also be sure that you understand how the fuel line connectors hook up (they are a squeeze together type of fitting accessible through a port in the line) and also the electrical connector that has a RED horseshoe shaped clip that has to be pulled out to release the connector. I suggest either a Haynes manual or going to Auto Zone, registering and looking at their text and picture how to do it. I put my car up on ramps, took a floor jack with a piece of ply wood (about 2'X2' of 3/8 inch stuff) and put it on the foot of the jack (to distribute the pressure on the tank), jacked her up until I had pressure on the tank, unbolted the retaining straps on the tank and then SLOWLY let the tank down until I had enough room to take the pump out, then unscrewed the retaining ring and removed the pump.

Good Luck.