My 2.1 2WD has a dirty fuel tank. So dirty, in fact, that when I pull the
rubber hose off of the pump, little or nothing comes out without some
compressed air going into the filler tube.

The car does not have any other leaking issue. In saying that, I mean that
the upper pipe, hoses and seals are not being a problem.

My question is (because I have never done this before on a vanagon) is
there a shortcut to pulling and replacing the tank that doesn't involve
dealing with all that stuff on top of the tank?

I plan to get the tank out and in the driveway where I can use a pressure
washer to remove the crud. Any tips on that will be appreciated as well.

Jim