I'm getting ready to tackle the fuel issues with my '86 F250 460 4x4 4 speed.

I'm wanting to eliminate the front tank all together, utilize an inline low pressure fuel pump, plumb supply and return lines, install a 38 gallon rear fuel tank as well as a fuel tank sending unit designed for a truck without in tank fuel pumps.

I believe what I'm looking for is a 38 gallon 80-84 rear tank. The F26C tank. And the fuel tank sending unit that goes with the 80-84 rear tank.

Basically I'm wanting to convert the truck from the 85-86 460 fuel system to an 80-84 fuel system and eliminate the front tank making up for the capacity decrease with the optional 38 gallon tank.

I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work but I'd like to verify this. Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

 

Electric pumps work a lot better pushing than pulling.

Can't you use a Bronco pump and sending unit?
At least the sender wouldn't read empty while you still have a half tank.

 

As shown on this page of my web site, 80-84 Broncos had a 32 gallon tank option: Fuel Tanks - Gary's Garagemahal. And this page shows the proper sending unit: Fuel Senders & Pumps - Gary's Garagemahal.

 

I'm guessing the Spectra tank bolts right in where the Bronco tank needs a new 'crossmember'.
At any rate I doubt the F26C hangs any lower so a Bronco sender arm should give a fairly accurate reading.
Hot fuel handling trucks default to the rear tank.
If the point is simply to remove the switch valve and saddle tank, going to a Bronco pump/sending unit will make it plug and play in the rear.
The in-tank pump won't struggle to prime.
All that would be done is to splice the four wires and two hoses where the switch valve used to be.

 

I agree that the Bronco tank probably needs either a new crossmember or different straps. So if the Spectra bolts in that would be a plus. But I can look up the part numbers for the Bronco tank if needed - I think. Just tell me if it is the 80-84 small-hole tank or the 85-86 big-hole tank.

 

A Bronco tank would need a new crossmember, straps *and* the skidplate.

He's wanting to install a Spectra tank and a sender without pump.
This isn't going to work without hacking the four pin plug off the tank harness.
And since all Broncos I've seen have Windsor engines (with in-tank pumps) a Bronco sender isn't going to work, even if it IS probably the best option.

Idk what bung comes on an aftermarket extra capacity tank.
You'd think Spectra would offer a sender that works with it.

 

That's why I was suggesting the 80-84 tank and sender. No pump and a matched sender/tank combo. But, as you point out, that takes modifying the harness - although that shouldn't be hard.

On the other hand, again as you point out, an in-tank pump will prime more easily, so the 85-86 pump/sender/tank would work. Does that require a mod to the harness?

In either case, some changes to the fuel lines themselves would be required.

 

My point was that the truck is already set up for in-tank pumps.
I'm not sure where you'd get the two prong plug to fit sender only bungs.

If you have to splice at the switch valve it's no big deal.

When I make mods I try and use 'off the shelf' parts so repairs are not a hassle.

Post up the '80-'84 small bung sender number.

 

Before I look let's make sure I know what I'm looking for. "Bung" means a tap or some such that goes into a keg to tap it. But, do you mean the 2-prong plug that would be part of the harness?

 

'Bung' is a fitting to seal a barrel or tank.
The sender hole went from (about) 3 to 4" with the change to in-tank pumps on some models.

Since hellrasin says he wants an '80-'84 tank I assume he wants a small bung sender.

 

Ahhh! That's much easier - assuming I understand. The "small bung" sender is E0TZ 9275-D for the 32 gallon tank for an 80-84 Bronco.

(Finding the electrical connector, which is what I thought you were asking, is a nightmare.)

 

Yeah, I looked for a two prong connector when I replaced my 'sender only' tanks last year.

Finally gave up.

 

That connector is part of the WIRING ASSY. (REAR LAMP). And according to the Text section that varies by year/group of years, wheelbase, with or w/o aux tank, with or w/o camper, and with/without DRW. The 1980 truck has one part #, the 81 & 82's another, 83 & 84 another, etc.

 

I didn't want the whole rear harness, just the sender pigtail.
Didn't find it in the aftermarket or the Motorcraft pigtail catalog.

 

Have a link to that catalog? Sounds like something I'd like to document in my Electrical section.