Archived need fuel tank - old one fell out

[VFabricius]

My first post - and my first problem - picked up this so called 92 extended cab short bed 2 WD and got it home from long trip - filled up with diesel and the tank strap broke while I was on my way back home grinding a large hole through the fuel tank. Need a replacement. Transfer Flow company doesn't seem to have anything for this particular year.

Aerotank is 15 to 20 work days out before they have anything available (a 40 gallon replacement). It looks like the original "shadetree" installed a larger tank because the tank straps had welded extentions to fit around this larger tank which is where it broke. Heat must have weakened their holding ability. That was not one of the things I would normally check on a used truck purchase. the tank has an stamp on the bottom - Allied BA50 - 100. Any recommendations? Guess I could go with a factory replacement from dealer. Bet they're expensive.

 

[willyslover]

where are you at. . [fill out your signature on the control panel button]... what size was your tank size ?... I have an 98. 5 35 gal plastic [stock] tank out back.

 

[VFabricius]

I went ahead and updated user control panel. FYI - I'm in Georgia (Cumming) which is home of TDR offices. Will probably run over to their offices tomorrow to wake up Patton for some back issues. As to the capacity of the tank that was in place, it looks to be about 35 - 40 gallons. Just guessing- when the gas gauge is close to "E" I've only been able to put in 20 -22 gallons. but I don't know if guage is accurate or if this is original tank.



Aerotanks says the original should be 40 gallons. The tank in my truck that "popped" the straps and I dragged down the road measures about 64" long, 13 inches wide, and about 15 inches tall. I want to go with under body tank cause I've got the short bed and need it for hauling.



If that's not a typo did you actually see a 98 gallon tank under the body? Anyway, appreciate your quick response. Your flamed truck looks awesome. I assumed you were on the West Coast.

Regards

 

[VFabricius]

Say Willylover - just read your post a little closer - I got confused thinking you meant you had 98. 5 gallon tank - that's the year of the tank - then saw the 35 gallon spec = duh. So does anyone know if I can strap it in my '92 short bed?

 

[BV]

fuel tank

I believe the 92's only had a 30 gallon capacity from the factory. Not sure if a 2nd gen tank would fit your shorty or not.



It's possible that the tank you wore a hole in was from a newer Ram with the 35 gallon capacity.



I would hit a salvage yard / auto dismantler before I paid the price to a dealer.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I thought all the first gen diesels had a long (8') bed. With the short bed, you could get (from gasser history) 22 gal and the 30 gal was standard on diesels, optional on gassers. The rear strap was standard in appearance, just a long galvanized strap. the front strap had a abracket that bolted to the side of the frame and extended under the tank. Then a galvanized strap went from that support bracket upward to the frame crossmember. This particular bracket was only used on short beds with the 30 gallon tank. The reason was that the frame was kicked up in the area of that front mount and they needed a different support mechanism for the bottom front of the btank. Long beds had the frame low up there and could use a simple galvanized strap.



If cost is an issue, check out your junkyards. Any 30 galllon tank from 1981 to 1993 works AFAIK; use your old sender unit/pickup. You will want to find the supports from a short bed 1981-93.

 

[VFabricius]

Thanks BV and Joseph for the info. The dealer says the tank is no longer available and said 20 gal standard and 30 gal optional. I have requests out to internet junkyard services searching for a diesel tank. Locally, I have struck out in North Georgia for a diesel specific tank (91-93should fit). I may try the gas version per Joseph. FYI, this truck was converted from a std cab long bed to an extended cab short bed further complicating the issue.



As I mentioned, the current tank appears to havebeen something the previous owner found that would work and to accomodate the installation he welded in a 2" extention to the tank straps which broke.

 

[Shovelhead]

Just a thought, but have you tried contacting your local Radiator Repair shop?



They might be able to patch the hole.

I've had gas tanks repaired before by these guys.

 

[VFabricius]

That's worth a try although this is a plastic tank and on a search of the discussion board someone else had tried an epoxy patch and it only worked for a month and began leaking. If anyone knows of a plastic tank mendor they'd recommend. let me know.



It seems nothing sticks to these polyester tanks.

 

[Shovelhead]

Check with these guys.

http://www.autospeed.co.nz/cms/article.html?&A=1145



Try a Yahoo search for Plastic Welding

 

[Joe G.]

Does anyone know what kind of plastic the tank is made out of? If it's ABS, pipe glue will work.

 

[VFabricius]

Thanks, Shovelhead (and an early happy birthday), for the reference to AutoSpeed on welding plastic. I'm going to crawl under and see what kind of plastic it is. I need to subscribe to get the rest of the article on welding the different kinds of plastics that are manufactured.

 

[kevinthompson]

Before you get a tank from your dealer, you might check with an auto parts store. Many aftermarket gas tanks are available. I am not sure if this one is but it is worth a try. Most auto parts stores will not have them available in they're regular catalogs but if they are willing to look in they're other catalogs they will probably find one. If you do not have any luck there ask an auto body shop. They should have a source for aftermarket fuel tanks.

 

[illflem]

The tank is made of polyethylene (PE) and is easy to weld. I repaired a tractor tank that had a crack with just a heat gun that had a small nozzle and some poly irrigation tubing for "rod". I was impressed how the tank material puddled up and the tubing melted to become one with it. If you can stick weld or even solder you'll find it a piece of cake.



Tips and tools here http://www.malcom.com/html/products/plastic_welding/vehicle_tech_intro.htm follow links in the lower left

 

[VFabricius]

My local dealer said the fuel tank is no longer available so I will attempt the welding process. It sure is cheaper than the 500 plus from Aero plus over 100 for shipping.

 

[willyslover]

did you decide that the 98 1/2 from a 3500 would not fit ??



I see discussion kinda both ways. . BTW I also have the straps that mounted it.

 

[VFabricius]

Willylover,

I'm considering the welding option but will consider your tank as well possibly as backup if it could be fitted. Can you provide any rough measurements e. g. max length, width and height and location of filler in relation to front of tank. I assume it fits inside the frame rail running along side the drive shaft like mine did with the tank varying in height as I runs the length of the truck. I think I measured my current tank length at 64 inches but looks like it could extend further.

 

[willyslover]

I'll get that today for you [measurement]...

got to get on a wood project first before the damn heat gets to bad today, been very hot here this month





??? filter location ?? the filter on a 24 valve is mounted on driver side of the motor. . yes to frame rail inside mount...