My 86 crew developed the "suck air after around 1/3 tank" problem on the rear tank a couple years back. I ordered a new "showerhead" strainer pickup. After some thought I have decided that if I have to drop the tank I might as well get the 38 gallon tank. Will the bronco tank work for this? I saw one site listing 38 gal for f series trucks but it said except diesel. Might have been summit. Another listed different tanks for 86 or 87. My truck has an 87 type bed that I think was added by a po. I expect every thing on frame and chassis are 86 vintage. Not sure which tank one would work. Also wondering about sending unit. What would I need there? Thanks in advance

 

they say "wont work with diesel" because of the sending units.
I have a 33 gallon tank in my 87, and ive installed a few 38'ers in bull noses.
there are 2 different lengths the 33 gallon tank is about 22" the other is about 24"
you need to see which one you have first.
this is only for the tank guard.
you must eliminate the spare tire carrier.
sending units are another issue, the senders can be pricy.
but if you rob a tank and sender from a bronco, you can eliminate the in tank pump and extend the pick up.
when I did mine I also deleted the front tank and the FSV.

 

No, the Bronco tank is 33 gal. It can fit in a trunk with minor modifications to mount it, but for the work involved you may as well go with a bolt in 38 gallon tank.

The tank you want is a Spectra F26E. Extend your pickup tube with a piece of copper pipe and a compression fitting.

 

Great, thanks for the input. A quick search of the Spectra F26E indicates it is for the 87-89 trucks. Just want to verify that is correct for my set up before I order the part. My truck is an 86 with an 87 style bed on it. I wonder if anyone Knows what is the difference between 85-86 and 87-89 rear fuel tank? Also want to verify if I can order a tank that says except diesel? Will everything plug n play?

 

All the Specta F26 tanks fit '80-'97 pickups (except 97 F-150), just need to pick the right one for your fuel pickup diameter.

Don't worry about except diesel, but be aware the F26C will not work for a diesel truck as the fuel sender/pickup tube opening is the wrong size. I have a F26E on my '86 IDI truck.

 

Bronco's graveyard sells the 38 gal rear tanks and they mention something about modifying the stuff that goes into the tank. i forgot the specifics

 

The 86-older sending units read opposite of the 87-newer sending units. Only difference on the diesel. Fuel sending unit size remains the same. some gassers had the small sending unit hole size