I have a 2001 XJ limited with the factory tow package and a shop is quoting 4 hours labor to replace the fuel pump because the tow hitch has to come down along with the skid plate. I've searched the site for info on this but couldn't find any posts or write-ups on a fuel pump replacement where you need to remove the whole trailer hitch receiver in order drop the fuel tank.

I'd rather do this whole repair at home but taking the hitch receiver down is giving me pause. Is it really that much of a process? If anyone has experience or knows of a write-up that includes working with the factory tow package I'd appreciate the help.

 

My experience -

The skid plate and receiver share a common attach point along the frame extensions so it isn't an option - the receiver comes off as part of the process. Four shop hours to do the job seems fair. It took me about 20 minutes to remove the bolts for the receiver. I used a couple jacks to hold it in place while removing and reinstalling the bolts. Then, with a jack positioned correctly the tank dropped straight down once the straps, filler neck and vent lines were removed from the left side of the tank. They're under a protective cover that had to be removed first. It's a bit of a fidgety job removing and reinstalling those lines due to the limited access. Dropping the tank took the better part of an hour. I cleaned the interior/exterior of my gas tank while I had it down and that was about 30 minutes. Installing a new pump took a few minutes more. So, yea, I'd say replacing the pump, reinstalling the tank, skid plate and receiver will probably approach a total time of 4 hours.

 

Yes, the receiver hitch and skid plate both drop before the tank can come down. Here's the kicker: those bolts like to get seized. If you want to do it yourself, I'd plan on one or 2 of those bolts breaking off. It's not the end of the world. Just order a set of nut strips and you'll be fine. You just won't be able to mount your hitch or tank skid for a while.

I wonder what the shop's response would be if one or more of those bolts broke?

 

Thanks for the info. I was curious to know if there were other pitfalls to avoid other than the bolts breaking -- but that sounds like it. Appreciate it!

 

soak the threads in a bolt loossener over nite. that can really help. mine came off no problems. If your truck lived in a salty place, yes broke bolts are more of a thing. but given the penatrating oil a try overnite.

You can drop the hitch and skid plate easily, that way the shop has less work which should save you money. then again, you can do the whole job too.
Shop rates in sunny california oft exceed 100 buckaroos an hour. $400 labor! Yikes!