If we are going to install a new gas tank like this one in our Ford, obviously we need to remove the old tank. We certainly don't want to be working with a gas tank that still has gas sloshing around in it, so the first step is to drain the old tank.

Some fuel tanks are designed with a drain cock, or valve, installed at the lowest point of the tank. This allows you to drain all of the gas from your tank without messing with the fuel lines. If your tank has a drain cock, simply loosen the valve and allow the gas to drain into a proper storage container.

If your tank does not have such a valve, your next option will be to remove the fuel line leading away from the tank into the fuel pump, filter or fuel line. This will be the hose connected to the fuel tank at its lowest point. Loosen the clamp, pull off the hose and allow the gas to drain into a proper storage container.

Once the gas has been safely removed from the tank, the next step is to remove the fuel lines that connect to the tank. You will likely see three lines - one from the filler tube, one that supplies the rest of the fuel system. possibly the line you disconnected to drain the tank, and one acting as a vent line to regulate pressure in the tank as the fuel level rises and falls.

Disconnect all three lines from the tank, and don't be afraid to take pictures with a digital camera if you need to keep things straight.

At this point, take a look at your Ford's rear setup to determine if you have the clearance necessary to remove the old tank and get the new one into place. You might have to drop the rear suspension to make room. If you need to do so, you should consult more thorough How-tos for advanced instructions, but we'll cover the basics here.

First, disconnect the rear suspension parts from the shocks then support the suspension beam with a floor jack so you can lower the heavier parts. Disconnect the rear brake lines to get them out of harm's way, then remove the rear beam or drive assembly from the frame of the car by removing the large nuts securing them to the frame. Then lower the rear assembly with the jack.

You should see two metal straps that are responsible for physically holding the gas tank in place. Loosening the nuts on one side of each of the straps should (with some possible coaxing) allow them to drop so you can unhook them from the other side and get them out of the way completely.

This should allow you to drop the fuel tank and clear the way for the new tank to be put in its place.

Getting the new tank in place on your Ford is as simple as following steps 1 through 4 in reverse, but we will recap here just in case:

Once the new tank is in place, secure the metal straps in place around the bottom of the tank.

If you had to drop the rear suspension, use the floor jack to put it back in place

Reconnect it to the frame

Reconnect the brake lines

Reconnect the rear suspension to the shock absorbers

Connect the three fuel lines to the new tank:

• Fuel filler line
• Fuel feed line
• Ventilation line

If the tank has a drain cock, make sure it is closed securely

Pour the reserved gas into the tank