2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission High centering on fuel tank

[Josparkz]

Has anybody with one of those aftermarket 54 or 60 gallon saddle tanks had a problem with high centering?

Since I've never seen one installed, I'm wondering how much ground clearance you actually lose.

Thanks

 

[Mundgyver]

I do not have one, but my understanding is that they only come down about 1 1/2 to 2 inches lower than the stock one.

 

[TomGolden]

I actually do have the TransferFlow 54/60 gallon OEM replacement tank, and it does hang down quite a bit further than the stock tank. I haven't done much 4 wheeling with it yet, but have had 0 problems with it hitting anything. It does NOT hang down below the rear axle. I'll see if I can remember to take a picture or two of how low it does hang down and post them here for everyone to see.



Tom

 

[TomGolden]

Here are a few pictures. According to my measuring tape, I have 13 3/4" clearance.

 

[TomGolden]

Side view taken with camera level with tank.

 

[TomGolden]

This one shows just how close to the transfer case this thing goes. I have changed the ATF fluid in the transfer case with no real problems, so it isn't too close, it just looks that way



By the way, I didn't take a picture that shows it, but this thing is also very close to the rear axle.

 

[Mundgyver]

Whoa Thats a lot more hang than I thought it would be. I wonder how far down the tank that they make that goes where the spare tire is, hangs.

 

[TomGolden]

I can't answer about the aft axle tank, as I have never seen a truck with one installed.



I should mention, that in reference to the first photo with the measuring tape, I have the OEM Michelin 265/85/R16 tires (at least I think they're 265's, whatever the stock Michelin M/S tires are anyway), so if you have taller tires/wheels, you would have more ground clearance.

 

[GAmes]

Tom,



I just checked my stock fuel tank height (2 whl dr) and it is only 11 inches, no load at all in the truck. The tank hangs 3 inches below the frame, so I'm wondering if you took that measurement. Kind of an apple to apple comparison if you have the time. TIA,



Gary

 

[TomGolden]

No problem Gary, be happy to measure that and post the results tonight after I get home from work.

 

[TomGolden]

Ok Gary, on my 2500, the frame actually bends up as you go back towards the rear of the truck. So, there are 3 different amounts as to how much the tank hangs down below the frame. Up by the transfer case, it is only a shade less than 4" below the frame. In the middle of the tank, about 5 3/4" and all the way back by the rear axle, something like 7 1/2".



This picture is from the middle of the tank.

 

[GAmes]

Thanks

I had measured at the middle of the tank. I was thinking of getting one of these tanks, but thought the extra length took care of the added capacity, never realized that they hung a lot lower. I still may get on though, just something else to consider besides the cost.



Gary

 

[Josparkz]

Nice pictures Tom.

Thanks.

I'm thinking that tank looks like something I am going to have to fight my way around every time I have to crawl under the truck. I may be better off getting the aft axle one.

 

[TomGolden]

Well, maybe, maybe not. I'm a fairly good sized guy, and I don't have too much trouble crawling around under it. As I said, I have changed the transfer case lube, added the pusher pump that can barely be seen in one of the above pictures, changed out the rear seal in the transfer case about 3 months ago which entailed removing the rear driveshaft, and every few weeks, I crawl around under the truck just looking for leaks, rust, broken things and anything else that doesn't look right.

 

[Mtngoat]

This is interesting, their website says that it hangs only 3. 5 inches

below the lowest part of the frame rail...



http://www.transferflow.com/html/dodge_midship_fuel_tank.html





Robin