Fuel tank pickup tube

Noob to the forum here...Ok, I'm sure this has been flogged to death several times, but a search did not come up with anything...figured that my pickup tube is bad on the front tank...runs out after 5 gallons... will not install a "foot" type, but rather go with some of the options I've read about...drop a line, fishhook it, with a weight and a screen to the bottom. Fuel gauge sending unit is bad, but I do not care...the odometer works just fine as a fuel gauge. Now, is it necessary to drop- the tank? Or is removing the bed an easier path? Or...any other suggestions... Just want to get the tank drawing properly...I've just scored a 1984 f250 6.9idi and a T19 4 speed...nothing special, runs good, doesn't smoke..except a bit of coal under a load...which is ok. (40 years driving big trucks..this is the first small diesel truck for me). Thx for the replies!!!

No, it is not necessary to drop the front tank to replace either the sending unit or the fuel pick-up line. Nor do you have to remove the bed. The specific job of opening the tank is perhaps easier if you do either of those, but it can be done with both in place. That being said, I do my work in my driveway, in this case flat on my back. I would put a crink in my neck trying to see what I'm doing. The workspace is tight disconnecting to fuel lines and the wiring, but it can be done without too terribly much effort. After you knock the locking ring loose you can carefully pull the sending unit out of the tank, on the front tank only. I'll attach a picture of my truck when the bed was removed, to give you an idea of locations and such. This is a '92 CCLB.

It is easier (for me) to work on tanks with the bed off. The earlier truck like yours and mine have a brass float that eventually leaks & fills with fuel. I have seen them on the internet but I did fix both of mine in a different way. You can add a length of hose to the end of the pickup tube instead of the 'showerhead' replacement.

Pull the bed. I'm in the process of replacing 2 bad sending units. You're probably going to have to cut the carriage bolts if they are rusted on. Pull the tail lights, undo harness at bumper, and undo the fill pipes at the body.

Ok, thx for the replies!! And from what I've read, these pickup units seem to be difficult to source, however I found these...any thoughts? https://www.fillernecksupply.com/bo...be-return-vent-line-assembly-tanks-inc-pta-g/

Try here: http://www.trexautoparts.com/products/1985-1986-fordr-fs-pu-19-gal-diesel-rear-tank-su

That 85 looks real good!!

gas tank depot.

Looks like the rear tank has the sending unit AND pickup/return lines all in one unit...am I correct? And is the front tank the same set-up? Or are they separate?

Ok...want to make sure I am ordering the correct parts...going to do the front tank only for now, rear seems to be working fine. This plus the intank fuel filter will fix the issue of running out of fuel after only 5 gallons...
http://www.trexautoparts.com/products/1985-1986-fordr-fs-pu-19-gal-diesel-side-tank-su
Now, mine os an '84, but did not see anything for that year, '85 is the oldest they have... Will this work on an '84?

Update...went with the '85 tank and sending unit, 2 inch sending units are unavailable...unless you get your old one rebuilt at tristar radiator. Don't forget the newer style pigtail from LMC...old one is rubber and round, newer one is oval and plastic. Both are two terminal... Tried the half inch pex tubing for a vent system...no joy. Going with 5/8ths braided PVC...fits the vent hole nice and snug, and has larger ID than the pex tube. And is compatible with diesel.