Fuel Gauge Sender - Advice

So it seems my gas gauge doesn’t work. I’m assuming the float is bad and filled with gas (gauge reads empty, barely rises when the tank is full)

Here’s the twist:

The wood in my bed is rotted away above the fuel tank - this is on the list of things to fix. But in the meantime, I can access the sending unit from above.

Obviously I shouldn’t have a full tank, but I am asking the experienced guys about safety here:

If I can access/replace the sender from above and obviously I keep flame/electricity/spark away, is there any need to drop the tank?

You do not need to drop the tank.

When you remove the ring that holds the sender to the tank you should use tools that will not create a spark. I use a small rubber mallet etc...

It is a common problem for the fuel sender themselves to be bad. Be prepared to buy a new sending unit, if the float guage and wiring are good.

I would recommend replacing the hoses as well with good quality fuel hose.

Amen to the above.  All of the above.

I use a brass drift to drive the lock ring since they don't spark.

Thanks to you both. Those were the pointers I was looking for to remain out of the Darwin Awards.  Thank you!