Dropping a gas tank

Well I started to drain the fuel tank to change the fuel hoses and the filler hose. While it's been draining I started to really look at the strapping and the bolts. Well I only have about 5/8" on each side between the tank and the frame. The filler hose flange sticks out into the frame so it looks like it's going to be a squeeze play to get the tank to drop down. To those that have done this job have you ran into this same scenario? Was it as difficult as it appears to be? Are the hoses on top long enough for the tank to drop down far enough to easily replace them. And finally there is no way to cut a hole in the floor to access the top of the tank. My black and grey tanks are directly over the tank.