How many gallons does it hold??

 

Ed -

Shop Manual says 18 gallons. Never got that much in mine, tho.

 

Need to switch. Just doesn't cut it. Need more expensive fuel. I know there are many tanks that mount onto the frame rails. But which one is the best or will and junk yard tank off a mustang work as well in the same spot on the frame rails? Has anyone mounted two tanks for distance?

 

a gallon displaces 231 cubic inches, measuring the tank should give you a pretty good idea. I used a 55 tank in it's ''original'' location and a second tank in the front of the bed. Got the transfer valve from Ford and used a double pole double throw switch from Radio Shack for control. The double pole arrangement also threw the gas guage from 1 tank to the other. It's a great way to go, especially when you're travelling. Randy will do the work for you for free!

 

Ed -

If you haven't seen the article, check out Niolon's great piece on installing a Mustang tank between the fram rails aft of the differential. His filler is in the bed. I prefer the filler in the fender and there are plenty of tanks that have a filler that way. The article has really great info regardless of what tank you choose and shows the attachment methods he used, etc. The (electric) fuel pump would move back to the tank.

http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon...ustangtank.htm

I like FF56's idea a lot! We could just drive your truck to Tuscon and he'd do it while we wait.

 

FF56 has a great idea! I'm running the original in my truck and it holds 18 gallons. I know they have the early Mustang tanks that fit right in the frame rails with little modification. They come in a 20 gallon version. You might check into aftermarket tanks to replace the original. They make them in 25 and I believe 30 gallons. They are a little pricey though. I don't do long distance so the 18 works for me.

 

Nice ideas. I really need to consider something for long range. I'd like to make the run next year to the Super Nats. I like FF56 set-up. I'll have to do some research.

 

The 85-92 Ch*vy van tank that I used fit beautifully between the rails at the back. While it only holds 22 US gallons, there is another tank for the same application with the same width and length that holds 33 US gals. the difference is in the height. It is about 3 or 4 inches deeper. If you're not slammed too much, it should work fine. ....

 

RJ/ED come on over to Tucson I'll hook you up. By the way, I put a gas filler door in the vertical sill plate to fill the under floor tank, had a nice gasket and seal and the filler wasn't in the cab. The fill cap was welded right to the tank and you just access it thru the fill door. I may have some pictures, I'll look.

 

One advantage to Ferguson's post is that with the 33 gallon tank mounted in the rear, you'll probably get another inch or so worth of lowering the truck. LOL.... You may have to replace the rear shocks or install stiffer springs to handle the extra weight.

 

Not a problem in the rear, just add more air to lift her up. ff56 very tempting offer.

 

Ed, I found pictures of the finished frame with the tank set-up but nothing of the filler, I'll post them as soon as I can scan 'em in.

 

I installed a tank from a mid 80's Chevy Blazer, I think they are the same as the Chevy van tanks or very close. You can get them in 24 and 34 gallon sizes. I used the 34 gallon size (it was a freebie) The tank fits between the frame rails. On my 49 I mounted it up between the frame rails so that the top of the tank was flush with the top of the frame. The filler hose will fit between the frame adn the bottom of the bed and goes towards the passenger side fender wher I'll put a filler door. I got the tank for free and spent about 20 bucks at the wrecking yard on mounting straps, sending unit, filler neck, etc.

On the GM sending units, pre 1987 vehicles are carburated and just have a regular sending unit. 87 and up are fuel injected and have the in tank fuel pump. The float is in a different position between the carburated and injected sending units and therefore the baffles in the tanks are different to accomodate. If you try and put an injected sending unit in a pre injected tank the float hits the baffle. This can be easily fixed (if necessary) by heating up the float arm and twisting it 180 degrees.

If I had known that all I needed to do was to get my ol truck out to Tucson..........


Bobby

 

34 gallons sounds good. I need to visit my local junk yard and see if I can make this happen. ff56, look forward to the pics.

 

Ed, I found the pictures but they are on film, I'll have to scan them in, probably be tomorrow (Tuesday)