I've been reading tons of threads on here about people changing out their fuel filters that are located under the body of the truck in hopes to increase mileage, cleaner fuel ect.

Has anybody changed out their fuel filter located on the fuel pump. I believe it's called a sock? Is it easy to change? I know some of my past cars there has been access to the fuel tank under the rear seats. I never looked, but is this the case on the 4Runner too? Ultimately I would like to empty the tank and get all the debris out (if there is any), pull the pump out and change the sock, then go ahead and change the inline filter.

I suppose there's no way to drain the tank without removing the skid plate and disassembling the whole thing?

What have you guys done besides the inline filter? Pics and tips appreciated. Oh and I don't smoke and will never work on a hot vehicle when fuel comes into play. HA!

The only way to get the pump out is to drop the tank.
My replacement fuel pump came with a new filter. That filter would take a lot to clog it. It is there to stop the big stuff. Unless you are using an old pan that was laying around the farm for years to catch the fuel that you are siphoning out of the 50 year old tractor and pouring that into your tank. I don't think that normal fillups at your gas station are going to cause an issue. Remember that gas pumps also have filters.

Also I never get gas at a station that has a truck refilling their tanks. As they dump the gas, it will stir up the dirt and water. This is when the most junk would be pumped out into your tank.