glenyoshida

I think you are right about losing capacity. I don't see a way around it if the tank stays in the stock location. I've thought about pounding down the back portion of the tank so the filler will go over instead of under the cross member. I've also thought about cutting out the back section of the tank allowing me to weld the filler hose connection back on to go over the cross member.

Looks like either way, moving the tank, or customizing the tank is going to be a lot of work. I need more information to make a choice.

There is one other benefit to moving the tank to the rear. Even with a 3 inch body lift and a modified stock tank in the stock location, the tank will still sit 1 inch below the rails. The only way I can see to keep a tank in the stock location for a flat bottom is to fab a custom tank and then there is even more loss of tank capacity.

ravencr

Yep, I agree.

Chris

Sean K.

I'm considering just cutting that whole crossmember out. Since I plan a 3 link with panhard rear suspension anyway (removing the low hanging lower rear frame mounts as well) I don't think it will be an issue. The only real problem I foresee, is if I can't put another X member in somewhere else to make up for the one I cut out. Obviously, before I cut it out, I'll have to make sure I can replace the strength I'm taking away. If it's not possible.....guess I'll have to look at other tanks as options.

Sean

glenyoshida

Something that I've been thinking over as an option is to try and cut out a section of the round cross member that the upper control arms are anchored to then welding back in a U shaped section. With the U shape in the cross member you could disconnect the rubber filler hose and reconnect it above the modified cross member.

The part of the gas tank that would hit the upper control arm could be pounded in with a hammer. There's nothing on the inside of the tank in that section when I checked the 1999 gas tank and it would allow about 2 inches of upward movement before the pinch weld of the gas tank gets in the way.


This still would not be a flat belly but gaining 1.5 - 2 inches of clearance for the gas tank would be significant.

edit: I went outside tonight and took a closer look. There's not enough room to weld a top bead around the cross member to get that U shaped section in.

ravencr

Just imagine what the flat underbelly provides. It's a sick difference. It's like adding 12" more in tire size.

Chris

99_Runner

What if instead of cutting the crossmember out completely, just modify it and move it up with your body lift? So if you put on a 2" body lift modify the crossmember to be moved up 2", then the gas tank could also be moved up that 2". I know that's not a lot, but like Chris said that's like going up 2" in tire size. Might be easier than trying to relocate the tank to the spare tire location.

glenyoshida

I was concerned that moving the entire cross member up would mess with the geometry of the rear axle since the upper control arms are attached to it. I'm not sure about that though but was guessing so just by looking at it. It's a good idea though. I'm pretty sure we will come up with an idea sooner or later.

ravencr

2" in ground clearance is like 4" added to your tire size. It was the biggest difference I had made on my 4runner.

Chris

Wheelingnoob

Dose any one have pictures of this set up I would love to see it. I have a 2nd gen, anyone know if this tank will work on them? the fuel filler is on the other side.

Sounds like a great setup thus far.

Jeremy