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  #1  
Old 03-21-2017, 01:58 PM
Maars Maars is offline
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Question Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Greetings, I have a 97 ranger xlt and the filler neck is leaking something fierce, all the videos and whatnot on replacement direct me to remove the bed. I managed to find a torx 55 socket/bit after trying a few stores and started working on the bed bolts, after an absurd amount of pulling, pushing, wd-40 and scraped knuckles, I got one out and seem to have stripped the next. is there anything I can do to make removing these easier/what should I do about the stripped one? I've heard of people using pb blaster and other looseners but are those any better than wd40?

Also if anyone has any idea of a way to fix the filler neck without removing the bed thattd be great too, I believe the leak is near where the neck meets the tank.

Thanks so much for any tips or ideas
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  #2  
Old 03-21-2017, 02:04 PM
whiskeymike whiskeymike is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Pb blaster is waaaaaaay better than wd-40 for breaking rust loose

You'll probably have to cut the bolt that's stripped, and replace it and the nut clip. Best to replace all of them.
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  #3  
Old 03-21-2017, 02:53 PM
Maars Maars is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

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Originally Posted by whiskeymike View Post
You'll probably have to cut the bolt that's stripped, and replace it and the nut clip. Best to replace all of them.
How would I go about cutting it? There isn't anywhere I can access any part of it other than the head which is flush with the bed
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Old 03-21-2017, 03:11 PM
whiskeymike whiskeymike is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Drill it out or grind it down. Need to be careful grinding, though.
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  #5  
Old 03-21-2017, 03:17 PM
Chevy_Country Chevy_Country is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

I wouldn't take a grinder near a gas tank, so make sure if you grind the bolt you do so from inside the bed, just in case. that will most likely damage your bed though, I was scrapping my original bed anyway so I tore it apart but I can't imagine how one would grind the bed bolts without ruining the bed, not to say its not possible. You can lay a wet towel over the tank just in case as I did for removing my donor bed.

to remove my new bed from the donor truck I used a propane torch to heat the bolts uo, then threw some pb blaster, and started working, did the trick after a little elbow grease I also took a Sawzall the the two closest to the cab from underneath because it doesn't throw many sparks

I didn't have to remove my bed to replace my filler neck, after removing the three bolts keeping the filling end to the bed i bent the hoses inwards towards the tank to clear the bed opening, once I popped that out I was able to work the hose clamp off and replace it doing the opiate of the removal, hope this helps!

11 Cruze LTZ 1.4T
04 Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4

Last edited by Chevy_Country; 03-21-2017 at 03:25 PM.
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  #6  
Old 03-21-2017, 03:39 PM
Maars Maars is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

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Originally Posted by Chevy_Country View Post
I didn't have to remove my bed to replace my filler neck, after removing the three bolts keeping the filling end to the bed i bent the hoses inwards towards the tank to clear the bed opening, once I popped that out I was able to work the hose clamp off and replace it doing the opiate of the removal, hope this helps!
This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for, thank so much I'll definitely try working that, would be alot easier than fighting with the bolts and lifting the bed and whatnot
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Old 03-21-2017, 03:43 PM
Chevy_Country Chevy_Country is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

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Originally Posted by Maars View Post
This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for, thank so much I'll definitely try working that, would be alot easier than fighting with the bolts and lifting the bed and whatnot
If you need anything further, I had to do this three times actually lol

(Removing mine, removing the donor, realizing my gas cap didn't fit the donors After Installing it lol and then reinstalling buying the correct filler neck and installing that one !)

I can run and take a few pictures, only trick would be the hose clamp, if it gives you trouble I suggest buying a new one and curing that one with tin snips!


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  #8  
Old 03-21-2017, 04:40 PM
Maars Maars is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

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Originally Posted by Chevy_Country View Post
If you need anything further, I had to do this three times actually lol

I can run and take a few pictures, only trick would be the hose clamp, if it gives you trouble I suggest buying a new one and curing that one with tin snips!
I really can't tell you how much I appreciate this, I'll try it tomorrow, weather permitting. Just to clarify while I have you here, unbolt the filler neck from the bed side, bend it down and clear of the bed opening and then undo the clamp and finagle it out, does that sound about right? I really do appreciate it
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  #9  
Old 03-21-2017, 05:24 PM
Chevy_Country Chevy_Country is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maars View Post
I really can't tell you how much I appreciate this, I'll try it tomorrow, weather permitting. Just to clarify while I have you here, unbolt the filler neck from the bed side, bend it down and clear of the bed opening and then undo the clamp and finagle it out, does that sound about right? I really do appreciate it
Yes sir ! In the install, make sure you have the bend of the new filler neck matching the original, if you install it upside down it wont fit into your bed opening


(I know the bed is off and you won't be removing but the picture is to illustrate that the filler neck is bent upwards

slide hose clamp over the new neck, pop the new neck into the hose, fasten that clamp, finnangle that into the hold of the bed opening, then your done under the truck, using one hand, line up the three holes in the bed with the holes in the filler neck head, to screw through so you dont have to worry about losing it, make sure you dont forget that!

Note:
if your gas cap has a small whip with a washer head like one shown coming off right side of this gas cap.


If you feel cramped and short of space the most I'd advise is to remove rear drivers wheel, rather than the bed

Glad I can help!

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  #10  
Old 03-22-2017, 06:23 AM
Maars Maars is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chevy_Country View Post
slide hose clamp over the new neck, pop the new neck into the hose, fasten that clamp, finnangle that into the hold of the bed opening, then your done under the truck, using one hand, line up the three holes in the bed with the holes in the filler neck head, to screw through so you dont have to worry about losing it, make sure you dont forget that!
Well.. It seems on the 97 there's a different style of filler neck, mine doesn't have the metal piece and is all one big hose that has to come out alltogether and I don't think I'll be able to get it out of the gas tank with the bed in the way.

Here's a picture so you see what I mean
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  #11  
Old 03-22-2017, 06:27 AM
Chevy_Country Chevy_Country is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maars View Post
Well.. It seems on the 97 there's a different style of filler neck, mine doesn't have the metal piece and is all one big hose that has to come out alltogether and I don't think I'll be able to get it out of the gas tank with the bed in the way.

Here's a picture so you see what I mean
Yea, I've seen a ton of rangers in the junkyard and never came across one like that, it looks like you need to remove the bed

I would suggest ordering a new set of the bed bolts, I have the dorman ones and they work fine, have an extra t55 tore end, a breaker bar, one can of pb blaster penetrating oil and a propane torch!

11 Cruze LTZ 1.4T
04 Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4
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  #12  
Old 03-22-2017, 07:05 AM
Himecraig Himecraig is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maars View Post
Greetings, I have a 97 ranger xlt and the filler neck is leaking something fierce, all the videos and whatnot on replacement direct me to remove the bed. I managed to find a torx 55 socket/bit after trying a few stores and started working on the bed bolts, after an absurd amount of pulling, pushing, wd-40 and scraped knuckles, I got one out and seem to have stripped the next. is there anything I can do to make removing these easier/what should I do about the stripped one? I've heard of people using pb blaster and other looseners but are those any better than wd40?

Also if anyone has any idea of a way to fix the filler neck without removing the bed thattd be great too, I believe the leak is near where the neck meets the tank.

Thanks so much for any tips or ideas
Use a 1/2" drive electric impact, a good torx bit and for any stripped bolt shove a wonder bar under and pry up while hitting it with the impact.
Be mindful of the filler neck angle when reinstalling the bed.
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Last edited by Himecraig; 03-22-2017 at 07:07 AM.
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  #13  
Old 03-22-2017, 09:20 AM
horizon94 horizon94 is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

If you still have trouble with the stripped bolt try using a dremel with a cutting disc on the head of the bolt. Make it so you can just barely hammer a 6 point socket on.

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  #14  
Old 03-22-2017, 10:15 AM
Maars Maars is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

I just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone that helped out here, you guys have been great I really appreciate it. I think I'm gonna have to take a break from the ranger project as it's clear I'm gonna need more tools than what I have on hand and being a teenager with no steady income in a low income family -- that's tough

Anyway, thanks again, definitely some really good advice for once I have the money to make it happen

Thanks guys

-- Back to driving the family car I go
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  #15  
Old 03-22-2017, 10:16 AM
cvar cvar is offline
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Default Re: Fuel filler neck replacing/stripped bed bolt

Here are photos of my 1997 fuel filler tube. http://imgur.com/a/ggIFp
It consists of 2 rubber tubes, and one goes inside of the other.

Yes, it can be removed from underneath without removing the bed, but it's a nuisance. There's a clamp at each end of the rubber hose, and a screwdriver will loosen it. Removing the 3 screws around the gas cap helps a bit.

As for future bed removal, you'll have to cut off the bolts. This can be done from underneath, but the front 2 bolts will be hardest to access. A bare hacksaw blade will do the trick. Wear leather gloves.

Fyi, dropping the gas tank will give you more room to work on the driver's side. The tank is held up by just 2 metal straps, where each strap has just 1 bolt on 1 end (and its other end has a T-hook that hooks into the frame rail).

Here are photos of the speed-nuts fastening your rusted bed bolts: http://imgur.com/a/pDroC
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Last edited by cvar; 03-22-2017 at 10:25 AM.
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