Rear underbed gas tank conversion

[surfnuke9]

I have had zero luck finding a used tank that is not for a fuel injected vehicle.

I found this poly Ford Bronco tank online and have bought one.

http://www.trexautoparts.com/mm5/mercha ... =TREX4251C

Benefits: 33 Gallon capacity, Ford fuel sender operates at virtually the same resistance range as Dodge (10 Ohms Empty, 75 Ohms Full), its a Poly tank and everything is new.

Tank, sender and straps: $230

will post pics as I go.

[Rodger]

Tim

Shop for a under bed gas tank in the "Life-Style"
Dodge Trucks. The gas tank was moved out of
the cab about 1977 and has stayed in the frame
since then.

Rodger & Gabby
COS

[wally426ci]

Let us know how it goes Tim.

BTW, I have about 4 total Sweptline houses I need to visit now that I'm cruising, so I'll be headed your way soon. I know I always say that, don't lose hope.

[Hobcobble]

Let us know how it goes Tim.

BTW, I have about 4 total Sweptline houses I need to visit now that I'm cruising, so I'll be headed your way soon. I know I always say that, don't lose hope.

Wally.... you'd better get your "cruising" in while you can. I see three years of
diaper runs in your future....
John

[wally426ci]

I know! TIme is running out. Not to mention I need to redo the upstairs bathroom before October.

Sorry we turned this thread Tim. Lets start a new one when you get that tank in.

[MountainMoparRobin]

surfnuke9,
my first response was WHOW, then I thought about it as far what I had in mine, ordered Poly fuel cell through Speedway Motors $134.99 and the holy Blue electric pump $130.00 and its almost the same, except your gettin 11 more gallons, mine only holds 22.Good find

[surfnuke9]

Rodger,

been looking for a lifestyle tank. None to be had in these parts that werent for a fuel injected model, and I dont wish to convert to an electric fuel pump.

Shawn,

Diapers, diapers, diapers.....

Robin,

Yeah, I struggled with the $$ issue for a while and then found this setup. Most other options (since I couldnt find anything in a yard) were over $400 all said and done.

Still going to about another $100 for the flush mount filler and other sundry items it will take to complete. Am thinking of making a simple sheet metal skid plate for it to sit in also, or using a stock skid plate from a later model Bronco. They can be had for about $130.

I wil post all pics when I get the tank.

[wally426ci]

This should be a cool conversion.

[beck]

I have 68 D100 I have Tank from a 71 Roadrunner mounted under the bed . I built a roll pan to hide the tank and you put gas in just like the roadrunner behind the tag.

[JimE]

I'm watching this thread with much interest, I know the Ramchargers had gas tanks that held 34 gals and were just about a bolt in. Jim

[surfnuke9]

I looked for a ramcharger tank first as I had read that here as well. The one I saw (Ebay) was dimensionally the same , or VERY similar, to the one I am getting.
Would still have to deal with the cross member to keep it from hanging REAL low.

FedEx says I should have the tank tomorrow.....we will see.

[dodgydan]

what about a custom fab. aluminum tank? had one built for my 57 sheeby p-up, buy a guy that does marine tanks up here in igloo country (canada). to my dimensions with :pick up tube, drain plug ,and extra threaded bungs for 200 canadian bucks. thinking of doing the same for my 68 w100

[hampstead38]

For $200 Canadian, I'd buy one.

[surfnuke9]

My plan is the following:

Remove existing cross brace.

Hang the tank from a piece of square tubing running between the frame rails using these lower straps ($45) (which are designed to replace the stock skid plate).

The top will be secured with the stock upper straps.

Both upper and lower straps will be bolted to the square tubing.

I then will reinstall the removed cross brace farther back behind the tank.

[MOPAT]

Are you talking about the crossmember at the rear shackle of the springs? OR the one toward the cab from that one?
You might think about rectangular box instead of square to fit between the rails better.
Pat

[surfnuke9]

the one behind the rear axle. the rear spring shackle is a bit further back.

Good recommendation on the rect vice square MOPAT. not too worried about a 1 1/2 or 2inch square being strong enough for the load though.

dont know the weight of gas but water weighs about 8 lbs/gallon.

tank 20 lbs
33 gallons gas (using 8 lbs/gallon) is about 265 lbs.

supporting about 300lbs shouldnt be an issue for either square or rectangular. You are right though that the rect would fit and be supported better.

[MOPAT]

I guess the UTE frames are different.
My '68 W200 383/727 has the cross member that the shocks mount to just barely in front of the rear axle and then the cross member that is at the same point as the rear shackle mount 19 1/2" center to center on the rivets behind that.
NASCAR figures their fuel @ 6.24 lbs/gal.

[Cleanfingernails]

I had tanks on both sides; they were rusting, clogging up fuel filter after fuel filter. Also, I did not enjoy filling up twice, essentially, at busy gas stations. So, a fabricator built me a custom 30 gallon tank strapped underneath. My only complaint is that the sending unit was not set very accurately: worse than turning a camper around in a busy gas station is running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. In sum: a great conversion but get it set right before you strap her in!

[hampstead38]

I like the idea of a 30+ gallon tank, especially towing. When you're running an "8" and towing a trailer, you can see gas gauge going south. And not every service station is travel trailer friendly... trust me.

I may end up having to find a fabricator to work something out. Once I get the bed pulled, I'm going to take a look around and see what might fit. I'm interesting in seeing some pics on the Bronco tank.

[surfnuke9]

MOPAT,

I was mistaken and your info was correct. The rear cross member does mount directly over the rear spring shackle mount. They are a separate mounting though and I will be retaining the cross member, just moving it some.