Fuel pump access via drop tank ??

Trying to replace the electric fuel pump.
Difficulty accessing fuel pump.
In the process of dropping the fuel tank and hit an obstacle.

Battery disconnected,
3 fuel hoses disconnected,
two electrical connectors at fuel tank disconnected,
fuel filler pipe separated from fuel door area,
Both fuel tank retaining hex nuts were backed off all the way and both tank support straps hanging loosely , no longer supporting fuel tank .

I cannot get the tank to drop down low enough to access the fuel pump due to the passenger side fuel filler steel pipe / tube keeps the rear of the tank stuck just above the rear cross member.
I cannot maneuver the tank forward as it hits against the exhaust system in several spots.

What is the trick to access the fuel pump ?
or
how to yank the steel fuel filler tube out of the fuel tank?

I have been tugging on the filler tube/pipe for quite a while without success.

I removed the neck/ collar of the fuel filler pipe from the gas tank fuel doorway and removed the 3 Torx screws to allow the fuel filler pipe to separate from the side body gas cap area doorway.
The fuel tank has a rubber grommet/ bushing located at junction of the steel filler pipe / tube to the fuel tank . This area is very snug/ binds tightly.
Anymore yanking on the steel filler pipe may rip that rubber grommet to shreds ( if I have the strength to yank it out).