fuel tank removal

Need to replace the fuel pump on my dad's '99 CV S model. The procedure in the fsm seems to be pretty simple. As I look up under the vehicle, I can see that the attaching hardware for the straps looks to be somewhat rusted due to the salt used in winter on the roads here in MI. There is a nut on the top end of each strap. What size is it? It also appears that there might be some kind of a j-nut back behind the sheet metal. If that is the case, is the nut that I can clearly see attached to the stud and therefore come out of the j-nut as one piece? Is it common for this hardware to break? I contacted the guy at the local Ford dealership parts dept. and he told me that they do not stock the hardware and that he has never sold any and has never heard of any issues with the hardware breaking. The straps look to be slightly twisted at the top from when the nuts were tightened at the factory. Is it a good idea to replace the straps? Can the sending unit be removed without removing the tank? Any/all thoughts/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Rust is your enemy! Spray those things down with WD-40 orsome other rust buster and wait. I've sprayed mine once at noon and then again before dark, letting them sit over night. Then again the next day before starting. I think they were 9/16 inch, deep socket used to get them out.

Here's a website to see how and what Ford parts you may need.

http://www.fordparts.com/Default.aspx

I hope this helps somewhat.

I would personally replace the straps, nuts, and connectors. Use anti-seize on the bolts to stop them from freezing up again.