Gas tank removal

[83K5fullsize]

Looking for a little help. I have a 83 K5 Blazer & the gas tank has developed a leak. I can't see where it's leaking from, just that it's dripping out from between the tank & the factory skid plate.

Anyone familiar with these tanks ? Any common leaks/problems ?

I have not yet taken a good look at the skid plate & tank because I need to pressure wash off all the mud & dirt first. Any secrets on how to remove the skid & tank ?

Finally, any suggestions on a good place to find a replacement tank ? I don't believe a gas tank leak is something that can be fixed. I'm thinking I should go with a factory replacement vs. a fuel cell, but is a used one out of a junk yard (if I can find one) the way to go ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[n8sjh]

My 91 had a leak and it was on the bottom of the tank. The problem is if you get a small rock in between the rear factory skid and the tank it will wear a hole through the tank and start leaking. I replaced mine last summer. I bought a new tank from LMC. They have a catalog that has almost every part for all years of blazers and jimmys. Just make sure its close to empty before changing it. Mine was 31 gallons.
Only hard part was getting to the bolts near the rear bumper. looooong extension on a socket. Also wresting it in between the hitch. Also while getting a new tank may be a good idea to get new straps that hold it. You will probably twist off the old ones tring to get the nuts off.
After I got the tank in I left the skid plate off. I do not wheel it I drive it on the road everyday. 235000 miles and still going

[Yetti]

hi guys,I think you will find any radiator shop has the ability to repair your tank. if your careful you can cut the nuts off and reuse the straps. secondly reuse the skid plate. they are there to protect the tank on rear impacts also, besides hitting rocks & junk

[83K5fullsize]

thanks for your input guys. With help from my friends we got it out last night. The hardest thing seemed to be getting the skid plate off without removing the hitch receiver & rear bumper.

[Yetti]

your better off that you didn't remove the bumper, its a pain to get all the rust bolts out.
so how bad was the hole in the tank?

[83K5fullsize]

Didn't see a real hole. Just looked like a real thin spot that was rusted real thin. It was dripping pretty good when I got the skid off. A drip every 3-5 seconds.