FUEL TANK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)]

Warning

• Repairing a fuel tank that has not been properly steam cleaned can be dangerous. Explosion or fire may cause death or serious injury. Always properly steam clean a fuel tank before repairing it.

• A person charged with static electricity could cause a fire or explosion, resulting in death or serious injury. Before draining fuel, make sure to discharge static electricity by touching the vehicle body.

Note

• For the vehicles with 4WD, start from Step 6.

1. Drain the fuel from the fuel tank. (See FUEL DRAINING [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].)

2. Remove the rear wheel (LH).

3. Remove the rivets and the fuel filler pipe shield.

4. Disconnect the fuel tank filler hose and the fuel tank filler vent hose from the fuel filler pipe.

5. Remove the silencer. Proceed to Step 10.

6. Remove the propeller shaft.

7. Remove the differential mounting bracket-to-subframe mounting bolt.

8. Remove the differential-to-bracket bolts.

9. Loosen the differential mounting bracket-to-subframe mounting bolts, rotate the brackets and position the axle rearward.

10. Use a suitable jack to support the fuel tank.

11. Disconnect the vapor hose.

12. Remove the fuel tank strap. (See FUEL TANK STRAP REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].)

13. Lower and remove the fuel tank.

14. Install in the reverse order of removal.

115 N·m {11.7 kgf·m, 84.8 ft·lbf}

80 N·m {8.2 kgf·m, 59 ft·lbf}