1997 Dodge Ram Staling

There are plenty of things it could be, but since you said when you band on the fuel tank it starts then the solution is most likely in that area. One the fuel pump might be going out since you have to bang on the tank or the fuel filter may be clogged up, try removing it and blowing through it, it air resistance is high then try changing the fuel filter. First you will want to start at your fuel pump it may not be pumping fuel properly giving the engine enough amount of fuel to kick over or crank. Hope this helps