I did it. It was a day from hell but I got through it and I couldn't be happier. I'm on top of the world.
First, the new pump is slightly different from the old model. It doesn't require the locking ring in the bottom/inside of the tank so it needs to be removed with a special tool and discarded. The parts counter at the dealership was not helpful on locating this tool. After a couple of weeks of searching I gave up. I went ahead and just dove in.
I made my cuts in the floor under the rear seat so I didn't have to drop the tank. So far so good until I couldn't get the fuel line connector off. I monkeyed with it until it was dark. I was beginning to think I needed a special disconnect toolwhich I didn't. I started back up the next day. I sprayed WD40 on the connector and magically I just pulled and it came off.
The tank naturally was completely full so I drained it and gave the gas to a neighbor girl except I forgot to keep some for myself(duh). I didn't have the nerve to ask for some back. I had to go get some more when I finished.
I now know how the locking ring is attatched to the tank floor. The tool would of made things way easier. At first tried breaking the plastic locking ring but nothing was accomplished except small shards of plastic flying everywhere. Then I hacked at the black rubber attatchment fingers holding the ring. I finally realized how to cut the black fingers with my straight blade window scraper. Once I got the ring out I was high as a kite from gas fumes. A raging headache set it. I put in the new pump with little trouble and I was getting excited. Although there was one more PITA in store. The new locking ring was never going to fit. I messed for another thirty minutes. I had to bend the tabs on the ring slightly down so they would go under the tabs of the car.
I turned the key to hear the sweet sounds of the pump. Alas sweet success. I spent a good two hours farting around getting frustrated and about an hour actually fixing it. I could do it now in about an hour-hour and a half. Good luck to the next sucker who has to do this. Let me know if I can answer any questions. Hopefully my frustations weren't for nothing.
Clyde
2000 SE Sport V6
Runs great now though.
$100 for the Focus pump & folow the FAQ. 