I'm working on my XJ8 right now, read a lot of the forums posts of the job. But just wanted to know what's the best method and how long would it take to do this job? and what hand tools would i need?

 

Its a days job with the help of a friend to wiggle it out. Taking off the filler hose lines and fuel pump llnes (the biggest bear) will take the longest. Recommend a couple pieces of wood (tank slides easy on it) to traverse the spare tire well as you slide it back. You can conduct the replacement in the trunk.
Here's a thread for review... https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rratic-184726/

 

Just did mine 2 weeks ago! I chose to take the tank all the way out of the car. First step (and a bugger to figure out) was getting 20 gallons of gas out of it. I tried going down the filler neck, but something is in the way and a hose won't go all the way down. So I managed to get the pump lock ring off, wedged a screwdriver under the flange, and snuck the hose in that way.
Hardest part of the job was releasing the 2 lines coming out the bottom of the tank. No way I could get my hands even close to the fittings..... I ended up following the advice of wiser owners ahead of me, and removed the driveshaft at the differential. That allowed JUST enough room to get tools up there to release the line fittings. Just mark the shaft, rubber cushion, and pinion flange so everything goes back in the same place or it might shake itself to bits (probably not, but why risk it).
Replace the strainer and the fuel filter while you're in there..... I replaced the relay, too, just to make sure everything was A-OK
Good luck!
Steve

 

I made a flap behind the back seats to get access to the fuel lines. It's all about how you can position yourself to put enough force to get those fuel lines to release. I had to grind some metal to make the flap, which made sparks, so this might be a little on the dangerous side, but I was working outside where there was ventilation. There's no real easy way to do this, just try different methods until one works. If one method doesn't work after about an hour, then try another one.

 

In post #14 is a tool I made (still have it) and used to remove mine...https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...5/#post1866785 ...but I wouldn't be all bent on immediately using this type device, sometimes the AC/Fuel line disconnect tool works, so I'd try that first.