Fuel Tank Replace

[Wilhay74]

Hello gentlemen, have 1974 long wheelbase fleet side with 20 gal. tank. Got the tank lines and wiring out and came out easily. Trying to go back up with tank but the studs for the tank straps that come over top of tank and go through the cradles hit the frame on the way back up and tank won't go over toward bedside enough to let tank straps studs clear frame. Has anyone experienced this and how to overcome this ?

Thanks For Any Info

 

[Ricko1966]

Pics

 

[Broken85]

I’m sure we can help, but I’m not sure what studs you are talking about. If it’s the tank strap bolt, loosen it up and tighten it down when it’s in place. There is an access hole in the frame. If it’s the mud shield studs, just delete them. The shields create way more problems than they solve.

 

[Wilhay74]

Yes it is the tank straps bolt and you can do that on the front one but for whatever reason the hole for it to come through in the rear one is no big enough to get a socket in to tighten the nut on the tank straps stud. Go figure

 

[Ricko1966]

So tighten everything like it needs to be and cut off the excess threads.

 

[Radiohead]

I pull mine off at the 8 bolts holding the brackets to the frame and sort of wobble it in and out to make the protrusions exit/enter the frame holes. Helps using a floor jack as a third hand to help hold it up while you monkey with it.

 

[Radiohead]

So tighten everything like it needs to be and cut off the excess threads.

I leave the straps alone unless they are what I'm working on. I go for the bracket mount bolts myself.

 

[dusterdude]

I’m sure we can help, but I’m not sure what studs you are talking about. If it’s the tank strap bolt, loosen it up and tighten it down when it’s in place. There is an access hole in the frame. If it’s the mud shield studs, just delete them. The shields create way more problems than they solve.

^^^^^ this

 

[Ricko1966]

I leave the straps alone unless they are what I'm working on. I go for the bracket mount bolts myself.

Me too,but he says he has the straps on and tight and the stud sticks out too far to maneuver the tank in. Personally I've always got them in no problem. That's why i asked for pics. Some people do not understand,sometimes pics are a big help.

 

[Grit dog]

I’ve only done tanks on an 86 recently but I “think” the setup is unchanged.
Iirc, I know what you’re talking about and with the straps tight, that threaded end on the strap sticks out too far.
Pretty sure I left them loosely strapped. (Ran them down tight to make sure everything aligned and then backed them off ). Then fit the tank up, bolted to frame then tightened the straps.
But it’s been about 5 years now.

 

[Wilhay74]

Some good ideas guys, thanks for the info.