OT 97 Dodge Ram Gas Tank

super99 · Dec 27, 2015

97 Ram 4x4 rust bucket. I only use it to pull something or drive in the winter when the snow is bad. Last Sept I was using it and when I gassed it up, gas ran out of the tank when it got about full. Seems to stop leaking with 3/4 tank of gas in it, but gas smell is strong. I'm off this week, so I am going to pull the tank and see what is leaking. Watched a you tube video on changing the fuel pump. He took bolts out of front of box and loosened rear bolts and raised up drivers corner of bed to get to gas tank. This looks a lot easier than trying to lay underneath and pull fuel tank. Any thoughts about best way to do this?? Should be less than 5 gallon left in the tank. I'm getting too old and stiff for these kind of projects, but hate to put much money in the old truck, so I'll get it done one way or another. It's just much easier to work standing than laying under something. Chris

tn terry t · Dec 27, 2015

I haven't done a dodge but have done several chevy and fords its the only way to do it if you ask me I have cut three sided holes in bronco ii flapped it back replaced the pump them bent it back in place and silicone the cuts closed

MSD · Dec 27, 2015

Not really that bad doing it from underneath. You'll probably need new straps but they aren't expensive and available from parts stores. Most times when they raise the bed it is to get the pump out-not to remove the tank.

hd6gtom · Dec 27, 2015

We are starting to get some in with the fuel tank hanging down, straps rusted thru, might want to replace them while it is down.

Chris in SK · Dec 27, 2015

I changed the fuel pump in a 99 ram a few years ago. I think it was 6 bolts, maybe 8 for the bed. Couple of wiring connections for the lights and the fuel fill hose, then just lifted the bed off with front loader. You could probably lift it off with an engine crane if it's a short bed. Much easier to lift it off completely if you have the space. You can probably have the bed off in well under an hour if you have impact gun and something to lift it with.
Chris

mj · Dec 27, 2015

Sounds like it might be a bad fuel filler tube. 8)

4play · Dec 27, 2015

A couple weeks ago I replaced the fuel pump in a 98 Ram that lived it's whole life in Wisconsin. That truck was very rusted and rotten I didnt want to touch it. Anyway I pulled the bed bolts, filler neck and wiring connector in the back and tilted the bed up to replace the pump. Maybe it was a miracle but nothing was frozen, or rusted to the point that I couldn't get the bed loose to tilt.

davpal · Dec 28, 2015

Might as well pull the tank and change it because it's probably rusted out. New straps and the bolts might break that hold it on too. I had to use new pieces of threaded rod to put mine back on because the bolts broke flush with the frame. There are holes up there for threaded rod to go into and it makes it easy to fix. If you've never changed the brake line under the tank it will be a good time to do that as they always rust out. 97 Ram needs all new brake lines. The long ones you make yourself. The ones under the master cylinder and on the back differential are available nos from Dodge dealer very reasonable.

shinnery · Dec 28, 2015

'96 Dodge 2500 w/V-10, my tank has a unused fitting on the pump assembly and it is capped off with a rubber cap. But inside the tank it has a line going clear to the bottom of the pump assembly. If the outside rubber cap cracks any pressure inside the tank will cause gas to flow out of the cracked rubber cap. Done replaced it once and tank will leak again if the fill cap is screwed down tight.
I wound up dropping the tank the first time.
Bryce

DENNIS MIN · Dec 28, 2015

TN terry,

I also cut and patch to get at things.

D.

IA Roy · Dec 28, 2015

I have a 94 Ram and I believe it has a plastic tank. I might be under it today and can tell for sure.

Paul in MN · Dec 28, 2015

On my 2 old Dodges, both had the gas filler pipe rusted through as it gets a lot of wheel splash. Found a usable one in a parts yard for about $10. On the older truck, I cut a rectangular hole in the box bed just above the fuel gauge and found the fuel suction tube (metal) rusted through. I welded 4 tabs onto the cut out plate and just drop it into place. Now quick to remove for further servicing if needed.

Paul in MN

BarryfromIA · Dec 28, 2015

The 96 Dodge also has a plastic tank.

OT 97 Dodge Ram Gas Tank

super99

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tn terry t

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MSD

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hd6gtom

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Chris in SK

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mj

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4play

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davpal

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shinnery

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DENNIS MIN

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IA Roy

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Paul in MN

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BarryfromIA

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