I'm about to have to install a new fuel pump, but I have no idea on how to drop the tank on my 84 Sunbird. Anyone have any tips or methods that could help me out?

A chilton's book can give you a high level idea. I would go to a local pep-boys, orielly, or whatever that has Haynes or Chiltons books on hand. On second thought, send me an email at paul.steepe@hp.com and I can copy the GM service manual pages and email them to you.

Hopefully you have less than 1/2 a tank, if you don't you should try and siphon some gas out so it is easier to work with.

Ok I will try to explain it.I have done this!!! First jack the car up on the rear end place on jack stands both sides.A good foot or two of clearance is best.Now lubricate the tank strap bolts and nuts with some liquid wrench penatrating fluid.Let this sit a day or so,Now in the mean time you can take loose your fuel filler neck open fuel door take screws out,then remove the plastic shield behind the rear tire on the rhs(obvious) then break loose the 2 hoses going to the tank.They will be a bi!!@ loosen the hose clamp(or even break them) is necessary.These can be replaced,use a flat head screw driver to pry the fuel hose loose(but u can leave on if u like) till you remove the tank.Make SURE YOU DISCONNECT the negative battery cable before doing any work!!!!!Once you drop the tank remove the plug in connectors on the pump,take a chisel or big flat head screw driver to rotate the lock ring off.Trying to remember if any screws but sure there are not many if so.Pull pump out,replace the pump,sock and new parts be carefull with the float level when removing.I may add some more too this.It has been a few yrs since I did it,but could do this in under 3 hrs like I did in my moms driveway.I want to say I disconnected the entire fuel fill metal and pulled it out to be out of the way.It really is easy to do,just take your time,and if your straps break should be NO problem buying new ones just lube the bolts before hand and relube again to help coming off.Is this enough info.

My biggest problem is getting those dog gone locking rings back on. Have replaced 3 in tank pumps and always dreaded that part. If you don't get it right, it'll leak gas when you fill it up the thank, the ring gasket has to be spot on, and it tends to move around when you turn the lock ring. On my to do list for my wagon next year......hint, hint...LOL.
Ron got it nailed down, just take your time and just be glad it isn't 15 degrees outside yet or 3 feet of snow. Be careful with the sender, they weren't cheap, but now I can't even see one listed for sale at AA or AZone.
Also, my stepson ran his Saturn out of gas years ago, and I had to get a can of starting fluid to get it running to keep the pump running long enough to get fuel to the injectors. Well, as my luck goes, I shot too much in the darn thing, and it took forever to get it running again. Once the fuel did get running there was so much starting fluid in the intake it was too rich to start over. So if you're sure you got the ignition doing it's part, you just might have the problem I had.
I read you said it was running rough B4 it crapped out. Sounds like the pump to me, the ethanol in the gas today is murder on fuel pumps today. Even autos 3 yr old are having problems and having to be replaced out there. $50 is a good deal to keep from having it go out on you on the road somewhere....I had my '86 Ranger fuel pump take a crap on me 70 mi. from home several years ago :-O Those beasties have a low pressure pump in the tank, and a high pressure pump along the frame. I lost the high pump 70 mi. from home , and then a week later lost the tank pump - at home....thank God!
Ron & Paul are WONDERFUL fellows , Garth. You won't find a better place to get advice & tips!! I'm sure a lot of J-Bodies owe a new lease on life to these guys!! Thanks to you both for all you do!!

Thanks for props and I certainly try to answer stuff I know and or check into.After all the years of owning mine and learning and doing the work you just do not forget it.With the surge of new interest here with our forum this is a good way to help others develop the same mindset.

Aw Shucks Orlen, You give me too much credit-

Ron, Tony, Shannen, Ned, Alan, Daryl, and others are the real brains behind the first gen group here (Sure I am missing others - Sorry). Each one of these guys has taught me tons about these cars. There is plenty to learn. Lets keep the sharing going!!!

I just have been ambitious with my project. Working on a full restoration teaches you a lot, quickly - kinda like a near drowing experience, you either learn to swim or you don't.

I am seriously hoping we can get a get-together going for the first gens - maybe at the 2012 bash? I am a little further north than most of you guys, but we should be able to work something out...

Such modesty you two.....

I'm glad to hear of your mentors , and I sure look forward to runnin' into them on here when I am so fortunate. I still give you guys many thanks, tho. You are the ones these days we can turn to and I for one am very grateful to have this forum and all the shared knowledge and experience!! Ron comes up with all kinds of parts for the owners and their 1st Gens, he leaves no stone unturned , and spends a lot of time out there when he could just as easily sit at home with his feet propped up sippin' on a cold one. Maybe the tips and tricks you share aren't all your own, but the represent countless hours experimenting and learning through trials and tribulations, or pouring though pages and pages of books that are hard to come by....shared down from one person to another, like stories told before the written word.
Yes, if it wasn't for all your passion and kindness to share, so much could very well be lost! I think the ones who've come before you two can be really proud of you guys, for you've given as they have given to you :-) People connecting with people and all helping each other is what makes the internet such a powerful tool.
So once again, " Thank You" There's nothing wrong with taking a bow, for you two are very strong links in the chain!

oh all right, Thank You...