easier way to drop fuel tank?

[KVF]

I'm going to drop my fuel tank to inspect it and I'm wondering if I "must" remove the driveshaft. I know in most cases the answer is yes; however, I already have the rear sub-frame out of the car. It looks like I can drop the tank a few inches and slide it out of the rear of the car, over the short section of driveshaft. Has anyone tried this or have knowledge that it will work given that the rear sub-frame is out of the way? Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks
K

[jlevie]

If the subframe is out, you should be able to get the tank out without removing the drive shaft. You might have to dismount the CSB.

[KVF]

Great, I'm going at this tonight. I'll just unbolt the CSB and support the shaft on stands before unbolting the tank. Thank for reply.
K

[Simon S]

I'm confused - don't you need the DS disconnected in order to get the subframe off?
(DS does go through subframe after all)

It'll be a while till I get to it yet * - but I was hoping to just

1) drop cat-back exhaust section
2) disconnect DS from diff
3) loosen DS ‘slack’ collar nut
4) dismount CSB in order to provide play
5) remove rear section of DS
6) remount CSB so front DS section is supported
7) get fuckin hammered before draining fuel and dropping tank down


* Note that I plan to leave rear subframe in – and that I’m dropping tank in order to replace all corroded hard lines.


Thanks again for the help you provided earlier K

[KVF]

It's pretty easy to pull the rear subframe with the ds in place. You just shove it forward on the sliding coupler and when you drop the sub, be careful to slide it back clear of the ds before completely dropping it. With the sub out, I should be able to slide the tank backward rather than having to remove the rear ds to drop it straight down.

Your explanation of splitting the ds and dropping the tank is exactly what you need to do when the subframe is still in. Good luck with it and you are welcome for the earlier advise, hope it all works out.
K

[MR 325]

It's pretty easy to pull the driveshaft. It really should be the least of your worries if you're dropping the tank.

[KVF]

It's pretty easy to pull the driveshaft. It really should be the least of your worries if you're dropping the tank.

I know, but I had serious balance and guibo issues with it. I just recently bolted it all up and have it working vibration free. If I don't have to mess with it I'd just rather not. If it's in the way I'll mark it and slide it off the coupler.

[Huff]

I know, but I had serious balance and guibo issues with it. I just recently bolted it all up and have it working vibration free. If I don't have to mess with it I'd just rather not. If it's in the way I'll mark it and slide it off the coupler.

Just pull the drive shaft without halving it.. That will be WAY easier than removing your subframe (especially if it hasn't been taken out since the factory). Remove it form the guibo, unbolt the center bearing and remove from diff.

[KVF]

Thanks, but the sub was indeed already out. That's why I lazily didn't want to repull my newly installed ds.

As a final update the tank was pretty easily pulled with the ds in place (resting exhaust flanges). A board accros the tank halves made a nice little tunnel for the ds. I was also happy to see that my tank and lines were in pretty darn good shape. I'm going to have the tank pressure tested and treated to be safe; while I replace the couple not so perfect lines and all hoses. Thanks for the replies!
K