Gas Tank Straps Installation
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I'd try like all hell to get it off, blast with a quality penetrating lube and heat cherry hot if necessary.
Put an over size deep well socket over the nut with a long extension, then bang it with a hammer to loosen up some of the rust.
I know its not the most accessible location ... I don't know for sure, offhand I'd say it would seem likely they could be replaced, but of course you'd have to pop the bed off.
Are probably welded onto the top of the crossmember, once the bed is off you'd have to grind off the head then drill out the stud.
Once again, don't know for sure, but anything is doable. One thing is sure, if you can get that nut off you'll save a helluva lot of extra labor & time.
I'd also replace the other strap while you are there, are they OEM replacements or the cheapo generic autozone straps ?
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Put an over size deep well socket over the nut with a long extension, then bang it with a hammer to loosen up some of the rust.
I know its not the most accessible location ... I don't know for sure, offhand I'd say it would seem likely they could be replaced, but of course you'd have to pop the bed off.
Are probably welded onto the top of the crossmember, once the bed is off you'd have to grind off the head then drill out the stud.
Once again, don't know for sure, but anything is doable. One thing is sure, if you can get that nut off you'll save a helluva lot of extra labor & time.
I'd also replace the other strap while you are there, are they OEM replacements or the cheapo generic autozone straps ?
May be true, there are pros and cons to anything.
On the other hand, dropping a tank you have only 2 bolts to contend with ... 8 or so for a bed, which would also put you on your back for awhile.
People seem to be pre convinced that dropping a gas tank is a nightmare, to be avoided at all costs. Most tanks can be on the ground in half an hour, and is not much of a chore at all, even for one person. Can be done with 1 jack, 2 is better.
Since the OP never posted back, I assume the problem is taken care of.
Hope he didn't use those cheap generic straps, I wouldn't hang an exhaust with those.
On the other hand, dropping a tank you have only 2 bolts to contend with ... 8 or so for a bed, which would also put you on your back for awhile.
People seem to be pre convinced that dropping a gas tank is a nightmare, to be avoided at all costs. Most tanks can be on the ground in half an hour, and is not much of a chore at all, even for one person. Can be done with 1 jack, 2 is better.
Since the OP never posted back, I assume the problem is taken care of.
Hope he didn't use those cheap generic straps, I wouldn't hang an exhaust with those.
A couple of weeks ago on the way home from chicago on I57, a poor dodge truck was setting on the side of the road with the gas tank hanging down on the ground. I assume one of the straps gave out.
I work for a fuel pump company & the techs report that many customers lift the bed rather than drop the tank.
I once had tank strap failures on a '64 ford & I made new ones out of some of the metal banding material they use to strap stuff onto pallets.
Mike Sal
I work for a fuel pump company & the techs report that many customers lift the bed rather than drop the tank.
I once had tank strap failures on a '64 ford & I made new ones out of some of the metal banding material they use to strap stuff onto pallets.
Mike Sal
I had a strap snap on me, luckily I noticed it hanging while walking to my truck from a gas station, and was able to limp home with the 1 holding out.
I didn't see anything I'd feel comfortable using at the auto stores, they all had the same generic crap, that in fact looked just like unpainted pallet banding. I found OEM at NAPA for about $50 for a pair, had to wait a few days ,,, Much rather do that than improvise. If 1 gave out, no way would the other chintzy strap hold the load.
Lift bed vs drop tank debate will never have a winner. People do what they want, its a no brainer for me. Dropping a tank is simple, and can easily be done by yourself. Lifting the bed requires extra sets of hands, and messing with 8 bolts vs 2.
Not only that, but dropping the tank lets you see and access the fuel and brake line portion between the tank and frame rail, which is typically rusted to hell and needs replacing.
I didn't see anything I'd feel comfortable using at the auto stores, they all had the same generic crap, that in fact looked just like unpainted pallet banding. I found OEM at NAPA for about $50 for a pair, had to wait a few days ,,, Much rather do that than improvise. If 1 gave out, no way would the other chintzy strap hold the load.
Lift bed vs drop tank debate will never have a winner. People do what they want, its a no brainer for me. Dropping a tank is simple, and can easily be done by yourself. Lifting the bed requires extra sets of hands, and messing with 8 bolts vs 2.
Not only that, but dropping the tank lets you see and access the fuel and brake line portion between the tank and frame rail, which is typically rusted to hell and needs replacing.
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i also had a pump repair this summer. the stud was siezed and very stubborn, but didnt break, thank goodness!
givin the choice to remove the pump, i droped the tank. its easyer for one person to do it that way. though i've seen a member or two here get creative with a jack, tilt the bed up just far enough to access underneath it for work room. the bed doesnt entirely have to come off.
cant belive the expensive carter pumps only last three years. this time i went to airtex. :WHT:
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I can't wait to drop my tank again as I am removing the rear springs this winter yet again. I am taking the bed off.
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:whackit:
Your all making me feel bad about the ratchet strap I used to replace my rear strap when it broke!! It was right after I got the truck & I choked when I saw the replacement price, so a quick fix with the strap & she was good. Six months later I kind of forgot about it! The tank has been full most of the time & its still there (crossing fingers). In my defence, I figured I would have replaced a fuel pump by now & fixed that while I was in there
Your all making me feel bad about the ratchet strap I used to replace my rear strap when it broke!! It was right after I got the truck & I choked when I saw the replacement price, so a quick fix with the strap & she was good. Six months later I kind of forgot about it! The tank has been full most of the time & its still there (crossing fingers). In my defence, I figured I would have replaced a fuel pump by now & fixed that while I was in there
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hey 2x4, i did the same thing on mine 6 months ago, for the same reason. will also replace with the fuel pump, great minds think alike, lol. as for the tank vs bed issue, on the 4x4 i will drop the tank, on my van i have no choice.
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