I have the 4.9L six, and my front tank is leaking at the seam and perhaps one other place. I see a number of potential replacements offered here and there, but don't know how to decide on the right maker / part. The sending unit on both my tanks work, so I don't know if I need to replace anything in that category.

 

If its me, I'd buy a plastic tank. My front tank sprung a leak a few weeks ago but you can't get the plastic tanks in Canada, so I ended up buying a steel Spectra, which is what my parts store stocks.

You guys get real winters where you live so I'd definately go plastic.

 

lasitter,

I was in the same situation as you are now with my 1990 F150 just last year. The unfortunate part is that when I lowered the tank, it was so rust damaged that I had to replace the tank as well; thanks to all the salt we use here. I chose a plastic tank from MTS that will last longer than the rest of the vehicle.

In addition to a new pump and sender unit, I bought new metal straps to replace my rusted items. To attempt to extend their service, I painted all metal items with two coats of brush on bed liner. It seems to put down a nice looking black polyurethane coating that is very tough. This was the new item's first exposure to salt last winter. It still looks good.

Just a thought,

-JR

 

I'd like to have both tanks work as originally designed. Do you have links to the "gold standard" for determining if both tanks / fuel pumps / fuel return systems are working properly, and recommendations on which parts to use / avoid?