Gas tank is off! Getting the filler neck out was a bit stubborn at first but then I decided "F-it" and used the old, if-it-won't-give-it-up-then-force-it method.
Discovered all the lines connected to the vapor separator and fuel gauge were in bad shape so need to replace them.
The step the maintenance manual DIDN'T mention was to remove the rear panel under the bumper, which only became obvious after several failed attempts to get a wrench on the strap J-bolts and I took a step back away from the problem and assumed, SURELY they didn't make it so only a smurf could work on it!
So it's all good, don't think I'll have too much trouble getting it all back on. Thanks for the advice guys!
JF