2001 Pontiac Bonneville Remove fuel tank safely

I'm parting out my 2001 Bonneville and need to remove the fuel tank. The gas gauge is not working so I don't know how much fuel is in the tank. I saw on you tube how to run a jumper at the fuel pump relay and pump the gas out of the tank by disconnecting the return fuel line at the fuel rail. I tried this and could hear the pump running but no gas came out. Is it because there is not enough gas in the tank? Or I have the rear end jacked up? Or am I missing something else here? Also does anyone know if the tank comes out without removing the exhaust pipe and framework around it? It appears the right rear control arm may be in the way also. Thank you. Mike