Can I install a new fuel sender unit on a 72 duster without removing the tank?

RustyRatRod said

You can, but why would you? If the sender is faulty, it could be rusted badly and the rest of the tank could be a mess and need cleaning out. Also would give you a grand opportunity to inspect the tank. I'd pull it. It's a 15 minute job.

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ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. There is a right way and a wrong way to do this. Since the car is new to you, you have no way of knowing what shape the tank is in. RRR might be exaggerating a bit when he says it is a 15 minute job, maybe I'll drive to Georgia and time him on a gas tank removal, but it really doesn't take long. Then you can pull the sending unit and thoroughly inspect the inside of the tank. Clean it out, or get a new tank, if yours is really gross inside. If it is the original sending unit, have it rebuilt. Everyone on this forum seems to think that is best. Otherwise, I would get a new one. I know a lot of people have had trouble with the new ones, but I got mine from Classic Industries, and it works great. Then you will have the opportunity to install the new sending unit with the new seal and install a new filler neck seal. No more leaks AND you absolutely know about entire fuel tank.