THANK YOU for the reply.
i have never worked on a 2nd gen ram gas tank other than replacing the straps.
when viewing the images of the lock ring online i see it's a different design than a regular gas tank i am used to. it looks to be made of plastic and it threads onto a neck built into the tank instead of the regular friction ring that gets pounded into the retaining ring.
it should be a easy job, especially after i have already replaced the straps. i have to remember to let the tank get almost empty, 36 gallon, before i start the job. maybe i should also pick up a couple of hose clamps for the filler neck and vent line. the truck is a RUSTY beater and getting those off without damaging them might be difficult.