Thanks for the insight.
No I hadn't thought of using MDF. That is a good idea. What about dropping the tank? Viable? It is just some tank straps or does the rear bumper cover need to come off?
Seems to me the bumper cover/impact bar need to come off.
As per Alldata
1. Relieve fuel system pressure
2. Drain fuel tank
3. Remove four filler door bezel attaching screws
4. Remove filler cap
5. Lift fuel tank filler neck housing and disconnect drain hose from nipple
6. Reinstall fuel filler cap to prevent dirt and debris from entering the tank
7. Remove fuel tank filler neck housing
8. Remove fuel sender assembly electrical connector
9. Disconnect fuel feed hose, return hose and vapor hose from sender assembly
10. Remove license plate to gain access for removal of carriage bolts
11. Remove all rear lamps to access outer fascia retainer nuts
12. Remove two carriage bolts securing fascia to impact bar
13. Raise vehicle on hoist
14. Remove spare tire and tire carrier from frame
15. Remove mufflers as an assembly from rear of converters
16. Remove canister splash shield
17. Remove upper body panel supports
18. Remove wheel house liner panels
19. Remove antenna ground strap and clip
20. Disconnect vapor lines from canister
21. Remove vapor canister
# Remove fuel tank cables from stabilizer shaft supports
# Remove two attaching screws securing bottom edge of fascia to energy absorber pad
# Remove marker lamps and spare tire light
# Remove 4 attaching nuts securing each side of fascia to fascia retainer
# Remove five attaching nuts securing each side of outer retainer to fascia
# Remove three impact bar bolts from each side and loosen from impact bar bolts, do not remove
# Support impact bar and remove front impact bar bolts
# Remove impact bar and fuel tank assembly
# Remove fuel tank straps from tank
# Remove fuel tank from impact bar
# If tank is being replaced trans