I have been involved in many threads lately discussing the options for installing tanks in narrow frame Fords. I just completed the installation of a 39-gal aft-axle tank in my 71 F250; I posted some of the pics in the user gallery. The kit is from Aerotanks, Inc and basically comes with everything you need. The tank was not just bolt-in; I had to include several modifications to fit the tank properly and I choose not to use some of the components included in the kit. I still need to weld a flip door in my bed and make a custom filler neck. The fuel capacity is definitely a plus.

Chris

 

Chris,
Thanks for taking time to shoot the photos
and post them. Did you have the longer neck
fabricated or was it pirated from another tank?
Did the kit include enough filler neck hose to
connect it, and does AeroTanks sell extra hose?
Were you able to use the stock in-dash gauge or
did you use a separate gauge? Did the kit have a
bracket to mount the fill neck, or does that have
to be fabricated,depending on mounting location?
Looks like a job well done, Thanks for your help.
Looks like it hangs below the frame about 7 or 8
inches. Thanks again.
Nibog..............

 

Nibog,

Great questions; the longer neck was a fabricated section; without it, installing the hose would have been extremely difficult.

Actually, the kit did not include the hose. I purchased it at an industrial rubber supply; it’s a petroleum grade with wire inlay. It’s a bit overkill, but works great, about $5/ft. You can get standard hose at marine supply companies as well.

The sending unit has the same resistance rating as the stock gage, a separate gauge is not needed.

The fill neck provided in the kit is a bit cheesy. Aerotanks suggests screwing it in the wheel well or mounting it thru a hole in bed. I couldn’t find any optimal location with the given angle in the neck, but I was only using the one length of hose and honestly didn’t spend much time fiddling with it. The pic shows the temporary location. I think the flip-door will be much cleaner.

The tank doesn’t hang very low, especially for the size. The pics in the gallery are taken from under the bumper facing upward. It’s about the same as a spare tire. But then again, I added a few mods to make sure it was mounted as high as possible.

If anyone installs one, remember the added filter between the tank and the stock filter. Lot’s of crud collected during the first couple of weeks. Hope this helps.

Chris

 

Hey, was looking at your pics and you installed a roll cage!! Where did you get the cage?? or did you do it yourself?

I have a fully restored / modified 71 f-100 4x4 with 44's and 13inches of lift, and really want to get a roll cage, but have not seen any. I know i could get one custom made but the cost is to much i think.

Thanks

 

Hey Brianlr,

The cage was custom made by a fabricator friend; he did an awesome job. The front bar tubes are actually nothced into the dashboard, allowing adequate leg room when entering the truck. Once the cab rubber is installed, you won't be able to see the cage from the outside. It's tucked quite well. I installed new front floor pans at the same time.

Chris

 

Chris, Your article looks good enough for the feature section Tech Articles. I have made a recommendation to Ken about that. If you don't hear from him in a day or so let me know and I'll ring his doorbell again.
http://www.clubfte.com/users/jowilker/USFlag.gif
John

jowilker email me
[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01

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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.

 

If you can write up a small installation article with the photos and send it to I'll add it to our article section and send a free t-shirt along with a Ford oval decal and an FTE decal.
:-)

 

Sounds great. I'll forward a detailed installation summary to Ken in a few days.

Thanks
Chris

 

Well now that i know yours in custom fabbed, can you tell me what size tube you wound up using ?

Also if at all possible can you post some pics, especially around the door areas and around the dash?

I have decided to get my own cage fabbed, but I want a very good fitting setup and any info or pics would be awesome!!

 

For the cage, I used 1-3/4 inch DOM .120 wall tubing. I'll take some more pictures and post them next week for you.

Chris

 

Thanks Chris, look forward to seeing your pics.

:-)