Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!

[Richard]

Originally Posted by EagleChief

Got the call this weekend! My harness arrived at the tuner and he was finishing up my tune. Going to pick it up sometime this week. Hopefully, I can start working on the fuel system install. Want to get the tank mounted and start running the fuel lines. To do that, I'm going to have to cut out a couple of cross-braces - one Z-style crossmember on the frame, and one of the bed braces. I grabbed a piece of 1-1/2" angle from work to use as a mount/support for the tank. I'll fit it onto the frame rails and drill it to bolt into the frame, then I can drill the mounting holes for the tank.

Question - you guys that have done the Wrangler tank, did you use any tank straps to help support the tank? Or, has it been ok to just use the tank flanges to support the tank?

I am not a fan of using flanges on the tank to mount it. I have never seen one mounted that way from the factory. Seems like an easier less costly route. Must be a reason cars do not come that way. My thought is it may be okay for a rigid boxed or tube frame. But for an old frame that flexes and moves a bunch, not a good idea to me. A lot of people do it. Most if not all aftermarket tanks are made with flanges, which is one of the reasons I avoided aftermarket. Just my opinion.
Getting the rivets out can be a pain, but not really any harder than cutting the crossmember.

[EagleChief]

Originally Posted by Richard

I am not a fan of using flanges on the tank to mount it. I have never seen one mounted that way from the factory. Seems like an easier less costly route. Must be a reason cars do not come that way. My thought is it may be okay for a rigid boxed or tube frame. But for an old frame that flexes and moves a bunch, not a good idea to me. A lot of people do it. Most if not all aftermarket tanks are made with flanges, which is one of the reasons I avoided aftermarket. Just my opinion.
Getting the rivets out can be a pain, but not really any harder than cutting the crossmember.

I've been debating making some tank straps, or buying some, to help hold the tank in place. The tank I bought, actually has mounting holes on each corner of the tank flange, so I'm guessing that's what they are for. Now, it is only a 15 gallon tank - which I know will still be heavy when full, but, shouldn't be too bad.

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by Richard

I am not a fan of using flanges on the tank to mount it. I have never seen one mounted that way from the factory.

You haven't looked back far enough. Fords, and I'm sure most other manufacturers from about 1932 til around 1948 all had flange mounted tanks. They were notably smaller though so that may be a factor to consider.

Personally I would put straps on a tank in a truck just for the fact that if you put the flange on top of the frame, you wouldn't be able to drop the tank if need be.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

You haven't looked back far enough. Fords, and I'm sure most other manufacturers from about 1932 til around 1948 all had flange mounted tanks. They were notably smaller though so that may be a factor to consider.

Personally I would put straps on a tank in a truck just for the fact that if you put the flange on top of the frame, you wouldn't be able to drop the tank if need be.

You are correct that I had not looked back that far. Vehicles were still in their infancy back then so I still stand by what I said.