I need to change out my fuel pump, and in order to do that, it involves dropping the exhaust, tank, and rear axle. Also involves removing the hind quarter panel, according to the chilton's manual. Has anyone else had to do this? If so, do you have any tips before I jump into this? Thanks

 

you don't need to remove the 1/4 panel. You can just take off the pan hard bars, remove the shocks and LOWER the rear end for clearence. But yes exhaust should come off. It's not that bad to do.

 

This might sound crazy but some people cut a door right above where the fuel pump sits on top of the tank from above. If you do this you will not even have to drop anything. Do a few net searches on this and see what you wanna do .

 

Exactly as he said, that way is 9,876,567 times easier

 

Is it possible to cut like that to replace the float in the tank so my gas guage will read correctly?

 

the sending unit contains the Float. The sending unit contains the pump. So either way it needs to be removed so yes.

 

Mine has to be done as well but you don't have to drop the axle or quarter panel. Someone just did an interior access to the fuel pump locally - I kept the pictures so when this pita is done (need to change the tank, rail, pump, injectors) I'm putting in quick access.
Found out from a shop owner you don't need to drop as much as they say but make sure you are on 5 ton jack stands and placed properly or you will regret it.