The metal skid plate (not sure if that the correct term) that holds my gas tank in place (2002 4x4 Excursion - 6.8 L gas) is severely rotted and my mechanic who does the safety inspection stickers is giving me grief. Junkyard Excursions are tough to find up here in New England and most of them are in the same rotted condition as mine. I have started looking on-line at southern/western junk yards, ebay, etc but could use some advise. My questions:

1. Is there any difference between model years for Excursion gasoline tanks? The part numbers on Tascaparts.com diagrams all look the same (3C7Z-9002-AA) but the ebay junkyards specify certain years.
2. Is there any difference between a gasoline vs. diesel tanks? Those part numbers are slightly different (1C7Z-9002-BA) but I suspect it is the same.
3. Has anyone cut the plastic strapping that holds the tank to the skid plate and just let the plastic tank sit in the skid plate? I was thinking of just replacing the metal skid plate, but that may be work than just replacing the entire tank.

I appreciate the help. Thanks for your time.

 

As far as I know all years and models use the same tank. If you cut the straps be sure to strap it tight to the skid plate before installing to avoid chaffing.

 

Camo is correct. All tanks and skid plates are the same through all model years. The difference is in the internal components of the tanks.