I am having trouble dropping my fuel tanks, because of the protruding nipple for the cross over hose. It looks as if the blue nipple (about 2" dia.) can be removed using a special tool. Has anyone else encountered this? how do I get around it? Is there a special GM tool? Any help is appriciated.

 

I don't think so on the blue nipple!!!!!!!!!
This is from the '02 Service Manual.

Tank Replacement Right
Tools Required
J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gauge
J 37088-A Tool Set, Fuel Line Quick Connect Separator
Removal Procedure





Caution
Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition key must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.


Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure .
Drain the fuel tanks. Refer to Fuel Tank Draining Procedure .

Caution
To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed.


Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the right rear tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the fuel tank shield mount nut (3).
Remove the fuel tank shield mount bolt (2).
Remove the fuel tank shield (1).
Remove the right muffler, for automatic transmission-equipped vehicles only. Refer to Muffler Replacement - Left or Muffler Replacement - Right in Engine Exhaust.



Disconnect the fuel sender electrical connector.
Mark or identify each fuel pipe in order to aid in installing the pipes in their original positions.
Disconnect the auxiliary fuel return rear pipe (1) that connects the jet pump to the left tank and the auxiliary fuel feed rear pipe (2) that connects the left tank to the jet pump at the fuel sender. Refer to Quick Connect Fitting(s) Service (Plastic Collar) .
Cap the fuel pipes in order to prevent possible fuel system contamination.



Remove the right rear wheelhouse panel. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Rear End.
Remove the EVAP canister access cover.



Disconnect the FLVV hose (1) at the EVAP canister (2).
Disconnect the fuel pressure sensor electrical connector.



Disconnect the tank crossover hose (5).
Disconnect the EVAP pipe (2) quick connect fitting at the right fuel tank EVAP pipe (3).
Cap the EVAP pipe in order to prevent possible contamination.



Remove the fuel tank strap mount bolts (1, 2, 4)
Remove the fuel tank strap (3).



Remove the fuel tank.
Installation Procedure

Important
Always replace the fuel system hose clamps with the original equipment or parts that meet the GM specifications for those parts when replacing the clamps.






Install the fuel tank.



Install the fuel tank strap (3).

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the fuel tank strap bolts (1, 2, 4). Tighten
Tighten the bolt (2) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
Tighten the bolt (1) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
Tighten the remaining bolts (4) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).




Remove the cap from the EVAP pipe.
Connect the EVAP pipe (2) quick connect fitting at the right fuel tank EVAP pipe (3).
Connect the tank crossover hose (5).
Push the clamp (4) outboard against the fuel tank, keeping the clamp parallel with the white stripe on the tank crossover hose. Tighten
Tighten the tank crossover hose clamp to 4 N·m (35 lb in).





Connect the fuel pressure sensor electrical connector.
Connect the FLVV hose (1) at the EVAP canister (2).



Install the EVAP canister access cover.
Install the right rear wheelhouse panel. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Rear End.



Remove the caps from the fuel pipes.
Connect the auxiliary fuel return rear pipe (1) from the jet pump to the left tank, and the auxiliary fuel feed rear pipe (2) from the left tank to the jet pump. Refer to Quick Connect Fitting(s) Service (Plastic Collar) .
Connect the fuel sender electrical connector.
Install the right muffler, for automatic transmission- equipped vehicles only. Refer to Muffler Replacement - Left or Muffler Replacement - Right in Engine Exhaust.



Install the fuel tank shield (1).
Install the fuel tank shield mount bolt (2).
Install the fuel tank shield mount nut (3). Tighten
Tighten the fuel tank shield mount bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
Tighten the fuel tank shield mount nut to 12 N·m (106 lb in).
Install the right rear tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Refill the fuel system.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Perform the following procedure in order to inspect for leaks:
Turn the ignition switch ON for 2 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch OFF for 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch ON.
Inspect for fuel leaks.
Program the transmitters. Refer to Transmitter Programming in Keyless Entry.

 

I got it! Thanx!