Fuel filter location, model specific

[MrPaco]

It seems that there are variations on the exact location of the fuel filter between different models and configurations, based on a good amount of research online (this forum included), the Haynes manual, and first-hand accounts from other owners.

I know that the '86 model, and also the '88 macro cab, have the filter mounted near the fuel tank, on the outside of the frame, and some later model years even have it mounted in the engine compartment.

My truck is an '87, A/T, regular cab, short bed, 4x4, and the filter is not in any of the locations mentioned above.

I' pretty sure I found the location of the filter on my truck: right next to, and slightly above, the fuel tank, on the inside of the frame, but I can't figure out how to reach it without also dropping the tank. This is what it looks like from below, and this is the only angle from where you can see it or get anywhere near it. You can't reach it through the side and over the frame, believe me, I tried.



Can anyone with an '87, A/T, regular cab, short bed, 4x4 truck (not sure which of these factors dictates where the filter goes, so I'm throwing them all in) confirm if this is correct? And if so, is dropping the tank the only way to get to it?

Hoping that I'm wrong...

Thanks