Shooper, thanks for the nice comments about me being a gas gauge guru,that is why I installed a stewart warner guage/ sender in mine,,, the only thing that I can tell you is that when your trucks burps once or twice you are out of gas

that experience comes from drivin around with the gauge not working,how come your screws are so hard to get out,they are not very long, at least on a 52,,,I think your gauge may be broke but ........just invest in an aftermarket, your truck is not stock and org so one more minor add on should be ok,,,,just my 2 cents....Fred