That is correct. 4 bolts hold the skidplate to the frame and the plastic tank is strapped to the skid plate. When you take out the 4 bolts on the skid plate, the tank is coming down with it.

 

Yep - but the RiffRaff destructions and others I've seen on the web reference removing the skid plate, then finding the attachments straps to the frame and lowering the tank:

1. For trucks with a fuel tank skid plate, remove the skid plate by removing the attachment bolts and remove the skid plate.
   
2. Remove the clamps from the fuel tank filler neck and the vent pipe. These will normally be stuck to the filler pipe. Use a smooth and round pick to work the hose around the tube until it loosens.
   
3. Support the fuel tank with a floor jack with a piece of wood to distribute the weight across the bottom of the tank. You may also use tie down straps to support the tank to aid in lowering.
   
4. Locate the fuel tank attach strap bolts at the frame rail and remove them.
   
5. Lower the tank to gain access to the fuel and electrical connections.
   

Obviously written from the F-X50 perspective, but it could make for a surprise for someone unsuspecting of the difference.

 

I vacuumed out the busted front passenger glass and taped plastic over the gaping hole Now to get a replacement from the part yard next week. Lost over $700 worth of stuff in the smash & grab.

 

That sucks. Oh how I hate petty thiefs, there are so many of them in my neighborhood, they walk from car to car at night looking for one that was inadvertently left unlocked.

 

Almost that time again!

 

replaced the alternator starting at 915 in an O'reilly parking lot... got it done by 10 minutes before close.

 

I had my drive shaft rebuilt and balanced. Took it out for a test drive and boy it is way smooth. I had slight vibrations at most speeds, I also had a drone at around 65MPH. Now its smooth and quiet, I was hoping for this sort of result and I am happy I got it.

Tim M

 

Without the reference point of what time O'Reilly's closes, the "10 minutes before closing" doesn't tell us much. They might close at midnight!

If you have a 7.3L, it takes longer to gather the tools for the job than it does to replace the alternator.

Stewart

 

 

I assumed they all close at 10pm. I've never encountered one that doesn't close at 10. Took about 35 minutes. Either way, it did take most of my time finding the proper tools vs. changing the alternator.

Still not as fast as the 10 minute swap I did on my firebird once...

 

Finally got "done" with the big project - although "done" is a moving target with anything I start altering.

The RiffRaff inline filter was the last thing to go for this phase, took it for a celebratory fuel fill-up and put in 37 gallons (I had taken out about 5 gallons to do Hutch/Harpoon and replaced it when I was done). Ran very nicely with no visible fuel or oil leaks, boost went to around 24psi before I had to let off at the top of the hill. Guess I need to set up the boost gauge on Torque Pro so I can have peak boost recorded.

The tally so far: S&B air filter, 4" exhaust, complete HPOP reseal, FRx, up-pipes, fuel bowl reseal, HPOP lines, UVCH, wire loom re-do, non-EBPV pedestal, RRD turbo wheel, high flow turbo exhaust chamber, all the boots and clamps, battery harnesses, HPx, passenger's side fuel line, rearview mirror/dash cam, Android stereo with backup camera... some things I'm missing, there's more stuff than I can remember.

What a journey! I started out knowing very little about this engine and being rusty on my wrenchcraft, but all the knowledge here at FTE brought me through some things I looked at with some reservations... I now have a reliable truck that runs well, and if/when something goes wrong I have a good basis from which to troubleshoot and effect repairs. I can't rep everyone who offered advice and opinions, but: Thanks to all of you who have shared your knowledge and expertise.

Now, on to suspension next month... (!!!)

And then there's the transmission and cooler. Some form of mild tune at some point. Wheels and tires. Then some cosmetics. And bumpers. A winch? HID conversion. Dear Lord, please let me win the lottery.

 

After sitting for 8 months and a trip to O'Reilly to get two new batteries, I drove it 3ft.

 

What was your fuel mileage for the trip?

 

 

I drove the Ex 3ft after I got the new batteries just to see how much it had sank into the ground.