I'm trying to replace the Fuel Pump on my 2000 XJ Classic but the bolts that hold the strap on won't budge, someone told me to cut the straps off and then the bolts should come down, but I don't know if that's true, and even if it is, I don't want to buy new straps if I don't have to. Thanks for any advice.

 

Soak them with PB blaster for a week. Reapplying every day. If I had to cut something, it would J bolts. You can make your own by going to the hardware store. There are threads about this.

Like this

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/che...lt-fix-114357/

 

I dropped the gas tank on my '00 TJ a couple times and I would highly recommend replacing the straps. I don't know about the XJ setup, but the TJ had a threaded bolt on one end and a bar that just slipped into a notch on the other. I ended up snapping one of the strap bolts and once it broke the strap came right apart. Although on the TJ you didn't have to remove the strap bolts to get at the fuel pump.

My dad swears by liquid wrench and patience. Coat the sucker in liquid wrench or PB blaster and gently tap it with a hammer. The longer the better... probably a good idea to clean up the parts with a wire brush as best you can as well. Unfortunately I would NOT recommend taking a torch to the bolts anywhere near the gas tank.

 

 

I cut mine off with a hacksaw and put new ones on.

 

I sure wish these gadgets were a bit less expensive:

 

40$ well spent. They include new bolts with the straps. Brace it up with a jack. Cut the bolts. Sleep well knowing your gas tank will not fall off under your jeep on the freeway.

 

eh i was in a pinch before and snapped the long screws in the process so my dad used this like long nut basically and screwed the two back together tho later down the road may get new ones as my gas tank looks crooked