Getting the fuel pipe connector apart was a mild challenge. I guess, after 20+ years things just don't want to move easily. Dropped the metal shield that protects the tank. Due to winter, the wheel well needed a boat load of washing out. The sand and debris up there was immense. Even when the access panel was removed, the backside was caked with debris. So, I washed the well out last night and decided to let it dry out over night before tackling the task today.
The local dealer had none of the hoses(upper and lower feeder pipes) or associated gaskets in stock, of course. I already have a new pump and housing gasket, but it would have been nice to just replace everything while in there. That will be for next time. We'll see what if any leaks there will be when I drop the tank after a cup of coffee.
regards

Here is a pic of the access panel removed in the wheel well.
regards

Make sure you reach up in there and take the bend out of the wiring retainers before trying to drop it too far--there are one or two up near the inspection hole, and two or three from there to the front of the tank. They're just thin bendable metal tabs that hold the harness in place--open them a little and slide the harness free, or it will fight you as you lower the tank.

Thanks, for the note on that metal tab. You can barely see that, unless you know it's there already and know what to look for. Tank is out(see pic), the second clamp bolted on the frame is a real SOB to remove.

Washed and degreased the top of the tank. There is a bit of surface rust on the area where it bolts up which I'm going to hit it with a coat of POR-15.
regards

It's done, except a panel and hose shield on the frame to be bolted on. That rubber coated shield that is bolted to the frame is a pain, wow. Starts faster, seems to have better performance as well. Hopefully, we'll see an improvement in mpg. Next,is to install the new factory radiator on the way. That should be a walk through the park compared to the petrol tank drop and pump replacement.
regards

I'm going to be doing this same job in the coming week. How long did this take to do? Did you have help? Did you need a floor jack, or did you just muscle it around?
Thanks very much!

A floor jack is very helpful, but a second pair of hands to help steady it is even more so. As with any fuel tank removal, getting as much fuel out as possible first is the most important thing. Take note of the wire retaining clips in the pic of the tank, and be sure to loosen those before dropping it too far, and then when it's back in, just slide the harness back under them and bend them back down (they're soft metal). It doesn't take very long with good help.

Thanks very much for the info...I'm looking at the picture of the tank after it's been removed.
There's what looks like a connection of some kind toward the front top of the tank. It's white.
Is that something I need to be concerned about?

You'll have to disconnect the sender and the harness/hose to the pump assembly. There are access plates under the rear seat and in the passenger rear wheel well. You'll need a floor jack, as it makes raising it into place when your done, much easier. I would also recommend you replace the regulator in the engine. It's only a delicate rubber diaphragm which usually gets blown out with the pressure from a new pump, and or is dried out from the ethanol/age. You find starting and metering of the fuel much better.
regards

PS. You might consider getting the 3 seals at the top of the tank from Toyota, they have upgraded them and are relatively inexpensive. I could only get 2 and was under a slight time pressure. ; )

What's the deal with the second clamp? Are the bolts hard to get to? Does that clamp keep the hoses from dropping out? I'm about 1/2 way through the job and the clamp(s) are the next step.
Thanks very much!

Unbolt all the stuff from the top down. This way when you loosen the straps for the tank, you can lower it right down. It helps to assist the feeder hoses off the tank down through the fender when lowering it out. Don't forget the harness for the sender, many do as it sits off to the side. Hang in there, it's not too bad a task.
regards