Wnen the gas gauge gets around the 1/4 mark it suddenly drops to E,

There are several different things that can cause that. My car did the same thing and I had to replace the valve on the filler neck and the fuel pump both. Usually if the gauge jumps around it is the float on the fuel pump. Sometimes it can be repaired, but usually replacement is better. If the vehicle doesn't take much gas when it says "E" I would lean more towards the valve. Fuel is pressurized once added to the vehicle, the valve lets the air release as gas is added. If the valve doesn't release pressure it will make the pump think it is full, and kick the gas pump off. Hope that helps....