Hey guys, I was contemplating on getting a 15 gallon jeep cj5 gas tank that would fit perfectly in front of that rear crossmember in the back of the frame (above where the spare tire would hang) for my 51. I somehow stumbled onto the measurements one day for this tank and am thinking strongly about getting it because I would not have to move that crossmember. I was looking at the 69 mustang style tanks a lot of people are using and they are moving this crossmember...but I would much rather keep it in place as it is bolted to the frame where the rear shackles/spring is bolted for strength from the factory I guess (did that make sense? LOL). Would it look "bad" if I were to mount the mustang tank just under the frame and not in between the frame rails? the dimensions I researched said the 69 20 gallon tank was 9 inches tall so of course it would poke down 9 inches from the frame. The jeep take is 10 inches deep but I would be able to mount it up between the frame rails plus it's not as wide as the Mustangs.

It just hit me too that if I were to go with the 69 tank and mount it below the frame like I mentioned before I might have clearance issues with running duels out the back...Dang it! So I guess the CJ5 tank might be better? What do you guys think??

Anyone got a 48-52 style truck with duel exhaust out the back with a mustang tank installed "under the frame"? LOL

What do you guys think? I can get the mustang tank off ebay for $102 free shipping and the CJ5 for $87 free shipping. I would love to have the 20 gallon tank but I guess a 15 would be sufficient. I had a 95 mustang gt that had a 15 gallon tank I believe, sometimes it seemed I had to make a lot of stops at the gas station with it, would get between 250-275 miles before I "had" to get gas. Of course my truck will be a different beast compared to that mustang so I don't really know how far a 15 gallon would take me.

I know I'm probably over thinking this but I hate screwing up and having to spent more money you know I'm planning ahead of course as it would be a little while before I got the tank anyways because money is going to my engine and trans right now. LOL

Mustang tank dimensions:32 5/8" x 24 1/2" x 9"

CJ5 dimensions: 25-1/4 X 18-1/4 X 10-7/8 inches

 

If it will work why not? I think the only reason the Mustang tanks are used so extensively is that they're relatively inexpensive and reproduced because of all those early Mustang classics still running. The Jeep tank would use the same sending unit (10-73 Ohm) as the Mustang...

 

You can make either work from your information, but hanging down below the frame rails will look bad and be a lot more exposed to potential road debris damage.

I would keep looking for another tank that is an even better fit that you can still leave the crossmember in place. One that is wider to fill the space between the frame rails better.

 

Thanks guys, I'm gonna keep looking to see if i can find a tank that fits better but I think Ill prbably go with the CJ5 tank if it comes down between just those two in the end.