Bottom barckets for plastic fuel tank?

[seedpress]

Bronco folks,

I'm replacing my '90 Bronco, aft axle, leaking metal fuel tank with a new plastic one. I need advice about the bottom brackets (tank supports).

The old tank I just removed had obviously been replaced before, because only the skid plate was holding it in place; the bottom tank support brackets were missing, and the top straps were loose, unattached. The Haynes manual says "if removing the plastic type tank.. .remove the bolts attaching the combination skid plate and tank support to the frame." When talking about the metal tank, however, they specifically mention removing the bottom bracket.

The skid plate I removed has raised areas on which the tank rests, but has no bottom support brackets attaching it to the top straps. With that arrangement, it would seem that the tank could bounce around.

I guess what I'm wondering is, should I order replacement bottom brackets to install along with the plastic tank? Why would the Haynes manual talk about the plastic tank as being installed without the bottom bracket? And is the skid plate for a plastic tank somehow different from one for a metal tank. What is a "combination skid plate and tank support?" What is the correct way, and parts arrangement to install a plastic fuel tank?

Surely someone else in this forum has done this before.

Very confused!!

 

[miesk5]

yo

What brand tank is it? MTS or JBG (our sponsor here!!; it is prob a MTS unit)

da skid plate holds the tank up...if it doesn't fit well due to pl tank design, I've seen ext grade plywood used with a scrap steel plate (some used old metal signs from scrap yard) plate bonded to da ply; the 2 straps on top stop tank from hitting floor pan

Look at this

MTS Fuel Systems

FMGTSR-3 Ford Bronco 2 straps, holds 25 & 33 gallon tank on skid plate, 1978-1996 $19.95

Chris installed a NW Metals tank in his and drilled new mount holes in frame w/diy straps

http://www.abysmal.com/bronco/suspension/Image165.jpg

Can you use NAPA Universal Hold-Down straps? pn is 732-1151

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/443118/...ze/dcp_0001.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/443125/...ze/dcp_0007.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/443128/...ze/dcp_0010.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/443136/...ze/dcp_0018.jpg

 

[seedpress]

miesk,

Thanks for all the help, especially the photos!

I guess my confusion was partly a result of the fact that before I removed the old tank, I noticed that the top straps were loose. Since the tank I was replacing was not the original, I assumed that the top straps had originally been attached to the bottom brackets. I pictured the correct arrangement as being top straps connected to bottom brackets, with a skid plate bolted underneath of it all. I didn't realize that the bottom brackets would be discarded if installing a skid plate. My Bronco has the skid plate. I was about to order both a new tank and a set of bottom brackets. So, your answer saved me about 45 bucks. Thanks! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

What brand tank is it? MTS or JBG (our sponsor here!!; it is prob a MTS unit)

I was considering ordering my plastic tank from MTS, but who is the JBG you refer to? I presume you mean MTS is your sponsor?

Bob Hamilton

seedpress

 

[miesk5]

Bob,

Sorry, JBG is Jeff's Bronco Graveyard - they are the primary Sponsors of this Forum.

The JBG Polyethylene tank is probably manufactured by MTS.

I tried to view their tanks, but they are having a site problem today.

There may be a fitment problem; some have no problems, one person has said, "...i bought one of those plastic ones from JBG... it doesnt fit... the skid plate isnt even tightened all the way up (its dangling by the 2.5" long bolts..the tank is too obviously) and the top of the tank was hitting the floor..." btw, just found this quote & Ryan's JBG Tank installation, below, while adding info to my Broncolinks.com site after I replied to you this morning.

Ryan's JBG Tank installation

note this in the install; "...problem to keep an eye out for.. the hold downs work loose on the top and eventually the seal for the sending unit slips and when you fill up at the pump it will dump over 1/2 gallon on the ground when it tops off..." by Dcskater; Ryan's reply; "... put a dap of silicone on each ****** I shouldn't have that problem. You have to be smarter than the parts..."