gas tank question?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Reno Nevada
gas tank question?
I have a 1980 Ford F-250 reg. cab, 4x4 long bed with the side mount gas tank. but the tank rusted out. so what are all the gas tanks that fit? could i take one out of a bronco or a newer truck? Or will a 80-86 only work?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Someplace around 1984 or 85 Ford started putting electric fuel pumps into the tanks, this
means the sending units are different which means the holes in the tanks are different.
Best is to get the tank that is for YOUR truck. A new sending unit is also a good idea.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Delta Jct Alaska
Where ya at?? I have a 1980 F-250 side tank I would let you have for a good price.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Delta Jct Alaska
No problem.....
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
gas tank question?
I have an 82 with a side mount tank I just went to the local parts store and bought one. Make sure it comes with locking ring also, or you will have to buy it seperately. Y ou could order it from NPD but they were higher priced and did not include the locking ring. I would also replace your pump strainer while your at it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,025
Likes: 2,758
From: Virginia
This is a no brainer. Go to your favorite local parts store like Autozone or someplace like that, and buy a new tank.
These parts places are out to make money. They judge what's happening in the market place, and will oblige with certain parts they can mass produce and make money. These tanks are one of those parts. They commonly rust out, so most tanks you find in the junkyard will be in the same shape as yours, plus they will have old rotten fuel inside them. I believe a new tank is around $100 or so.
Other things they sell for these year trucks by the truck load;
Rear parking brake cables
power brake boosters
key tumbler sets
tilt wheel ignition switch actuators
ignition switches
rear spring frame brackets(my Ford dealer keeps these in stock)
sending units
steering boxes
steering linkages
I am sure there are more common parts to these trucks that fail all the time, I just can't remember them all.
These parts places are out to make money. They judge what's happening in the market place, and will oblige with certain parts they can mass produce and make money. These tanks are one of those parts. They commonly rust out, so most tanks you find in the junkyard will be in the same shape as yours, plus they will have old rotten fuel inside them. I believe a new tank is around $100 or so.
Other things they sell for these year trucks by the truck load;
Rear parking brake cables
power brake boosters
key tumbler sets
tilt wheel ignition switch actuators
ignition switches
rear spring frame brackets(my Ford dealer keeps these in stock)
sending units
steering boxes
steering linkages
I am sure there are more common parts to these trucks that fail all the time, I just can't remember them all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 0
did this a few years back... actually both my gas tanks were rotted out... i could only fill side one less then half way or not it will spill out. i ordered from LMC 2 bran new ones... then a few days later saw them much cheaper on another website.. i long forgot the websites... but def look around.. and YES to answer your question. they have to be made for your years. unless you want to do some mods to the one you buy.
if you find one thats not made for your truck... look at hight depth longness new vs old. and then just mod "old system" to new tank.. i help a buddy do this once.
if you find one thats not made for your truck... look at hight depth longness new vs old. and then just mod "old system" to new tank.. i help a buddy do this once.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,025
Likes: 2,758
From: Virginia
I believe there were mainly 3 different tanks used in these years. A 19 gallon side tank, a 16 or 17 gallon shorter side tank, and the rear 19 gallon tank. All the same size tanks seem to fit fine, but it's the sending unit holes that will hang you up. The holes in the tank were different sizes for different sending unit configurations.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
You need a tank from 80-84. A brand new one is $119, that is an Autozone price, others will be similar. By going to AZ or Advance, or O'Reilly's and others like them, you save the shipping cost. For the most part, it will be difficult to find a decent used tank. Not impossible, but troublesome. You can go newer, but you must use a sender from an 85 or 86 to get the gauge to work.
