This weekend's mods are done.....
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock, TX
Well since I just did mine ..
Dropping the tank - 7 bolts hold on the skid plate (if equipped) .. 4 bolts hold the tank straps. Get at much fuel out as you can so it's as light as possible. I was fortunate enough to have help to drop mine.
When it comes down, my vent tubes (2 - one at each end on top) just came off on their own. I did use the fuel line removal tools ($10.00 at Auto Zone) to take the lines off and re-connect the vent return. The fuel sending unit is connected up near the frame, one clip to disconnect.
I had to use the wood block / hammer to take the ring off and put it back on .
I mounted my filter on the frame rail, inside, between the tank and the transfer case. I bought the kit from ITP that has the filter and mount complete - all you have to do is drill 2 3/8" holes to mount it. That thing is STOUT. Hope this helps.
Dropping the tank - 7 bolts hold on the skid plate (if equipped) .. 4 bolts hold the tank straps. Get at much fuel out as you can so it's as light as possible. I was fortunate enough to have help to drop mine.
When it comes down, my vent tubes (2 - one at each end on top) just came off on their own. I did use the fuel line removal tools ($10.00 at Auto Zone) to take the lines off and re-connect the vent return. The fuel sending unit is connected up near the frame, one clip to disconnect.
I had to use the wood block / hammer to take the ring off and put it back on .
I mounted my filter on the frame rail, inside, between the tank and the transfer case. I bought the kit from ITP that has the filter and mount complete - all you have to do is drill 2 3/8" holes to mount it. That thing is STOUT. Hope this helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Phx, AZ
Unfortunately my compressor is mounted right there where the ITP kit says to mount it. I am looking at once I drop the tank mounting it on the outside of the frame rail near the front of the tank. what direction do the lines face coming out of the tank?
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
Thanks TNT. I've been thinkinig about getting the ITP kit without their filter, and installing the Racor filter in conjunction with the ITP "partial" kit. Just my thoughts so far... haven't ferreted out all the details yet. I like the looks of the Racor filter unit a little better than the one ITP has, although I probably can't go wrong with either one.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock, TX
Fire rooster the lines do point forward - I chose inside the rail for the added protection of the filter
Pete, I'm pretty happy with the quality of the ITP filter .. elements are about $12.00 each and it's a fuel / water separator as well.
Pete, I'm pretty happy with the quality of the ITP filter .. elements are about $12.00 each and it's a fuel / water separator as well.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
I've heard good about both the Racor and the ITP units. There are some really good options with the Rcor systems, some of which include integral heaters and/or priming pumps. They also act as water/fuel separators, and have a clear bottom through which you can see if water builds up. I haven't compared the price options yet, so a lot of that may palce it well outside my budget, too.
Like I said, I like the sound of the Racor options, but really don't have any heartburn if it's too expensive and I end up staying with the Baldwin filter with the ITP sytem.
Like I said, I like the sound of the Racor options, but really don't have any heartburn if it's too expensive and I end up staying with the Baldwin filter with the ITP sytem.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,497
Likes: 7
From: Central, Al
I went about 1/2 way between tank and pump. 
I ran the tank down as low as I dared, had about 1.5 gallons in there, and it wasn't to bad handling the tank. On the pickup tube measure twice and cut once.
I ran the tank down as low as I dared, had about 1.5 gallons in there, and it wasn't to bad handling the tank. On the pickup tube measure twice and cut once.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 1
From: Round Rock, TX
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Phx, AZ
That is exactly where I have my compressor mounted. I think if I take a piece of 1/4in steel and cut a piece about 6in X 4in wide and bolt it to the frame and the bracket to the steel it will extend the filter far enough away from the compressor as not to mess with it and I can have both there. What you guys think? Strong enough?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,497
Likes: 7
From: Central, Al
Very, I changed the OEM filter out last weekend and after 10K the filter was as clean as the new one. About 8K of that 10 was with the baldwin in place. I am going tp change it again in 6 months along with the Baldwin and that will put them both on an annual schedule.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
Newbie, drop the tank. I tried pulling the bed first too, and i broke three Torx sockets trying to loosen the first of 8 bolts. So i just gave up and decided to drop the tank. It was really easy after all, and i ended up dropping the tank on my buddy's 99 before he totaled it. It's not hard to do at all. 7 bolts and remove the two filler/vent pipes, unplug the electrical sender on the top, and it's off.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Phx, AZ
Originally Posted by amiller93
It should be strong enuff but will it give you enuff clearance to the driveline
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
Kris, thanks for the tip on the tank. I know that dropping it is probably a little easier route, but my bent top rail behind the cab is really beginning to bug the pee out of me. If I ever invest in a cover for the bed, I'll have to fix that top rail first. If I can manage to coordinate it in with the tank mods, I believe I'll be better off in the long run. You can probably tell that I'm also sorta hardheaded sometimes.
Right now, I'm going to go ahead and plan on trying the bed removal, but also be prepared to ditch that approach and drop the tank if the bolts are too stubborn in the bed (some things ARE harder than my head).
Right now, I'm going to go ahead and plan on trying the bed removal, but also be prepared to ditch that approach and drop the tank if the bolts are too stubborn in the bed (some things ARE harder than my head).