[MrFixr55]

Have done a few gas tanks over the years. I figure that one of these days, I will have to drop the tank on my 91 Aerostar (190K NYC and around town miles). Haven't seen an access hole for a fuel pump or sender since older Lincolns. (I have a sick addiction to Ford cars but they have served me well).

Ol' Henry came u with a concept "Design to manufacture". In the past 40 or so years, Design to manufacture and design to service seem to have diverged. They are all guilty of it, but some of the worst included Volvo, Mercedes Benz, etc., and some of the most difficult parts to replace were the very parts likely to fail (wiper motor, heater core, timing chains, etc. Having to pull an engine to replace a timing chain and guides (Ford 4.0 DOHC in Explorer) is a bit much.

Trick to dropping a gas tank is to ensure that it is empty, and soak the heck out of the strap screws / bolts, etc, especially in the Rust Belt! Have a jack (or 2, as the tank usually has to be partially lowered to disconnect all the hoses / fuel filler / wiring, etc.