I did the same with the front strap, didn't even have to slot it. The rear one needed the welding.

Thank you, I am going to see if my local Autozone has it. Perfect timing too. I was about to put it back up and I couldn't get the ring into the area that the SM calls for. I don't think it would leak but I will attempt to get the tool and give it a try.

Btw, I can't believe I didn't even think of seeing if there was a rental tool for the job considering I rent tools from Autozone all the time. I actually rented a thread restorer kit just incase I needed to clean any threads during this job.




@MikeinNH67 ,
I'm glad to see I'm not the only taking this approach.

Nice, definitely let us know how it goes. I can't remember how I found that one. I went back to find it for my reply and I had to look in the fuel system tools section. Most of the kit doesn't apply to Toyotas, but the retainer ring tool looks to be universal.

I was able to rent the tool from Autozone. It looks pretty solid but I felt uncomfortable cranking on it with a ratchet. I just grabbed both sides with my hands and gave it a good twist. I was able to get it right near the beginning of the target range. I'm happy were it ended up as it is right past another tab so it can not back off from where it is at now.

I was also able to grind a groove into the end of the bolt that I used for the one I broke. Once I got it tight enough using a screwdriver and wrench, I was able to switch to a torque wrench and tighten it per spec.

I added a gallon of gas and turned the ignition on. The low fuel lamp was illuminated. That's the first time I have seen it in months. I then proceeded to add another 4 gallons and now it is sitting between an 1/8 and 1/4 of a tank on the gauge which seems about right.

I also switched to a 30mm M10x1.25 and I am glad I did. It I didn't, I would have had to cut it down as it would have hit the gas tank proctector.