Installing a third fuel tank
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Port Orchard, WA
Installing a third fuel tank
The front tank is on the driver side of the frame. Is it not possible to get another front tank from the junkyard, mount it on the passenger side, and link them together for increased capacity?
Looking for a low-cost way to increase my fuel capacity. I run on biodiesel and I'd like to be able to go to the west side of the state and back (600 miles round trip) without having to buy fuel.
Thanks
-Matt
Looking for a low-cost way to increase my fuel capacity. I run on biodiesel and I'd like to be able to go to the west side of the state and back (600 miles round trip) without having to buy fuel.
Thanks
-Matt
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,739
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From: Western Mass
Another option for more fuel capacity is replace the rear tank with the deep tank off a bronco. I think its something like 30+ gallons and hangs down where the spare tire would go. Its a direct swap, just need to modify the fuel sender to reach the bottom of the tank, and read the correct level if you want the gauge to work.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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another think i thought of some time ago was tanks from an older chevy truck, they sit outside the frame rails. there seems to be a lot of space there, though i haven't measured to verify it'll fit - it looks possible, but no guarantees
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
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From: Bellefontaine, OH
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Port Orchard, WA
So I'm still an idiot.
-Matt
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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But if it makes you feel any better, i have a tale for ya. When swapped the diesel in, at the time it was too much work to make the front tank fit, so i did only the back. No biggie right? Well the foot for the pickup is apparently broke so i can only use about 3/4 tank, leaving me with 15gal before empty... even at 17-18mpg it still sucks, about a 250mile range.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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having factory twin tanks, i burn 15 gallons out of the rear tank and then switch over (thats where the gage hits empty), then run the front tank until i pass my "home" gas station again, which is almost always before its down to halfway. i have records of going up to 400 miles before filling up, and as i said, thats leaving a bit in the rear tank and a lot in the front one.
if i were in your shoes, i would go with a bronco tank in the rear, then decide if anything more is needed. also, a transfer pump between tanks would be helpful, as that allows you to run one tank totally dry, gaining you a few gallons as opposed to leaving a few gallons in fear of running out.
if you wanted a tank on the other side of the driveshaft, it would probably have to be custom made, which means more money than we want to think about
if i were in your shoes, i would go with a bronco tank in the rear, then decide if anything more is needed. also, a transfer pump between tanks would be helpful, as that allows you to run one tank totally dry, gaining you a few gallons as opposed to leaving a few gallons in fear of running out.
if you wanted a tank on the other side of the driveshaft, it would probably have to be custom made, which means more money than we want to think about
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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Not sure if it matters anymore, but on the older trucks youre supposed to run out the front tank first. Otherwise the fuel gets to sloshing in the long front tank, and takes out your float, fuel pickup, etc.
My factory front tank is a plastic tank, problem is i dont have the one for a 79, then ill be set, i think... not sure what is going to be harder.. Changing pickup/ return on the tank insert, or making a similar tank fit. Either way its a job, ill be glad when its over.
My factory front tank is a plastic tank, problem is i dont have the one for a 79, then ill be set, i think... not sure what is going to be harder.. Changing pickup/ return on the tank insert, or making a similar tank fit. Either way its a job, ill be glad when its over.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
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From: CT
Screw using a bronco tank. Use the 38 gallon rear that was offered on some 460 trucks.
http://powerstrokenation.com/forums/...ad.php?t=29893
http://powerstrokenation.com/forums/...ad.php?t=29893
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Backwoods Massachusetts
Another option for more fuel capacity is replace the rear tank with the deep tank off a bronco. I think its something like 30+ gallons and hangs down where the spare tire would go. Its a direct swap, just need to modify the fuel sender to reach the bottom of the tank, and read the correct level if you want the gauge to work.
- How to be sure about galvanized or not?
- Will the current float/pickup work with diesel?
Thanks,
- Jeff