Fuel capacity

[Jeff Ogden]

This weekend I will be looking at two 87 broncos and hope to be be bringing one home,how big is the fuel tank and if its over 30 gallons can a truck 19 gallon tank be installed. It will be converted to 2wd and get highway gears so wont need a big gas tank that will be super expensive to fill,if a truck tank can be installed is the frame similar so the spare tire can be carried under it like the trucks.

 

[Rons beast]

The fuel tank thing is not something that should be modified for safety reasons. What's stopping you from not filling a big tank, or filling it when it's only half full. The tank isn't going to know what you mileage is. Also with such a large range you could be in a position to buy gas when the price is a little lower, ( wait it out ) so to speak.

If that isn't an option for you, then it sounds like you need to buy a 2wd truck with a cap.

 

[Jeff Ogden]

If Ford would have continued making the panel trucks on the p/u chassis I would not have to do this,the bronco is the closest to a panel truck so thats what I am going to start with. I had trucks with caps but would require cutting out the back of the cab and sealing to the bed so the bronco body will be the easiest to get what I want,I am even thinking about getting a second rear part to fill the side windows so when I take the boat or Harley along with me I can sleep in it with some privacy.

 

[Seabronc]

Hay Jeff!

How about putting an internal carrier like the one shown in the attached picture. You will probably improve the mileage with the modifications that you are making by reducing the weight of the truck. However, it may not be that significant so you probably would still need a decent sized tank to get much range. The 87 302 EFI has two pumps, a low pressure one in the tank and a high pressure one on the frame rail under the driver seat area. I suppose if you could get a pump that provides the right pressure at the fuel rail it would work. The 87 also had a carbed 351 version which only used the mechanical pump mounted on the engine. If you were to move the tank, I'm not quite sure where you would put one, there is not a lot of room under there on the sides like a pick up. It is probably possible to get the dual tank controls that was used on some pickups and find a place to stuff two small tanks, and possibly add a second filler on the right side. If you could do that, there might be room where the existing tank is for a spare tire, but you would need to do some measuring. My truck has a 33 gallon tank and it is pretty thick, about 20 inches. I think the other option was a 25 gallon tank, still pretty thick.

If you do this, take plenty of pictures of the adventure. It would be interesting to see.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Jeff Ogden]

I did not know about the two fuel pumps on the 87 but if I do change the tank will get one from a 92 since I know they only had one per tank,I guess I dont have to fill it completely up unless I go on a trip and will definately try to find the inside spare carrier since the one on the back will be the first thing I remove. With the front differential,transfer case and drive shaft gone there should be some gas mileage improvement as those should weigh a bunch along with a more highway friendly gear from a p/u.

 

[Seabronc]

Yeah, dump the rear seat also or at least take it out and only put it in when you really need it. Not sure how much it weighs but it is pretty heavy.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Bully Bob]

IMHO & a "heads-up..., (agree W/Ron)

I took the metal ind. shell off my F-150, and 3 heavy metal ind. racks out of the bed..

(a month aft. I bought it) Approx. 4-5 hundred pounds. The shell was a bit taller & wider than the cab.

Guess what...no measurable mileage improvment..in town or long dist.

As to re-engineering tanks & swaping front axles...pretty much a major undertaking.

Then, putting the spare in the bed...there goes a lot of room.

Having said that., I would say look into a long bed van, 2 wheel dr. & save a whole passel of headaches. >< <'> / :-B

But do post the progress., as Seabronc said....this will be interesting... /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />