I think after doing some research I will replace the FSU by cutting a hole in truck for an access port. Several have said they broke bolts and had to hassle drilling then out, etc. and Jake's truck spent 3 years in the northeast and I have already had to deal with so many rotted and broken bolts, I am wanting to avoid more. Anyone have the secret to the easiest way to cut through the floor pan?
Jeff...I've been tossing this idea around in my head since you posted it...and I just can't think of a way that cutting through the floor of the Xterra provides easier access vs. damaging the integrity of your subfloor.
IIRC...the gas tank is located on the DS, just under the rear seat area. The hole size necessary to facilitate pulling the FSU through would be sizable, larger than a tennis ball but smaller than a volleyball. Not to mention re-welding and sealing the hole once the project is completed. That area of the Xterra (again, IIRC) has the seatbelt/seat mount anchors bolted near there, and potentially compromising that body integrity would concern me.
You might attempt pre-soaking the bolts that hold the bands of the gas tank to break them free, but beyond that and physically dropping the drained tank, the solutions are pretty narrow in scope IMO.
Joe...Jordan...Randy...Erik...Danny...Tim...any thoughts on this?