Fuel/Gas Tank Skid Plate Removal — WARNING: whole gas tank dropped!

[redone17]

So…went to remove the skid for some winter prep cleaning and undercoating - unbolted the skid bolts one at a time…and the whole tank drops! Am I crazy to think/expect there to be some straps or something holding it in place?

Of course I JUST filled the tank this morning too.

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[Ground_zero298]

That’s good info to know. Thank you.

That sucks though. Our converters are safe from theft where they’re mounted at. Now we have to worry about people taking the whole fuel tank in 2 minutes. That could be a fun trick to play on someone at Moab. Would have to be tricky about it.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Thanks for the heads up Chris.

That could be a fun trick to play on someone at Moab. Would have to be Tricky about it.

Don't drag me into your shenanigans.

 

[redone17]

That was exactly our reaction....8 bolts and an impact and 20 gallons...GONE.

 

[Ground_zero298]

That was exactly our reaction....8 bolts and an impact and 20 gallons...GONE.

Wonder what the wait time is on replacement tanks. Or is it a hot swap tank? Just pull into the mall, swap tanks with the one on 40’s, and be on the way.

 

[broncobase1]

That’s good info to know. Thank you.

That sucks though. Our converters are safe from theft where they’re mounted at. Now we have to worry about people taking the whole fuel tank in 2 minutes. That could be a fun trick to play on someone at Moab. Would have to be tricky about it.

Interesting -- I have removed gas tanks on trucks before and normally it is a major pain in the ass. Having it easier to remove is a big plus. If someone gets under your vehicle with tools with the intent to steal they will do it. They can strip a car in 10 minutes.

 

[Ground_zero298]

Interesting -- I have removed gas tanks on trucks before and normally it is a major pain in the ass. Having it easier to remove is a big plus. If someone gets under your vehicle with tools with the intent to steal they will do it. They can strip a car in 10 minutes.

Mine stays in the garage. But if I see someone under one now in a driveway or parking lot I’ll make sure I stop and ask how’s it going.

 

[Felix808]

Interesting -- I have removed gas tanks on trucks before and normally it is a major pain in the ass. Having it easier to remove is a big plus.

Might be. Makes changing the in-tank fuel pump easier.

Thanks for the heads up OP.

 

[redone17]

I’m thinking of strapping it somehow so that I can at least powerwash the tank and the skid. Give the skid and surrounding areas a nice coat of Fluid Film (being sure to avoid the sensor on top) then bolt it back up…

 

[orion]

So…went to remove the skid for some winter prep cleaning and undercoating - unbolted the skid bolts one at a time…and the whole tank drops! Am I crazy to think/expect there to be some straps or something holding it in place?

Of course I JUST filled the tank this morning too.

I pulled my tank to install upgraded rear upper trailing arms. Did any of the connections get ruined when yours fell? That sucks but you should always check for what's involved when doing something like this so this sort of thing doesn't happen.

Get a copy of that free service manual that's on here, it will be invaluable for stuff like this!

 

[redone17]

I pulled my tank to install upgraded rear upper trailing arms. Did any of the connections get ruined when yours fell? That sucks but you should always check for what's involved when doing something like this so this sort of thing doesn't happen.

Get a copy of that free service manual that's on here, it will be invaluable for stuff like this!

I didn't let it drop fast or hard - so, all good. I dug through the owners manual (which I have on my phone) and there was nothing there...I am at my laptop now and will look into the service manual. Is there any benefit to installing some straps permanently? Then popping the skid off once a year wouldn't be such a pain.

I actually have to install Camburg lower trailing arms...

 

[orion]

I didn't let it drop fast or hard - so, all good. I dug through the owners manual (which I have on my phone) and there was nothing there...I am at my laptop now and will look into the service manual. Is there any benefit to installing some straps permanently? Then popping the skid off once a year wouldn't be such a pain.

I actually have to install Camburg lower trailing arms...

I wouldn't think so on the straps.

Here is link to service manual...
Thread '2021+ Ford Bronco Service Manuals, Wiring Diagrams, Owners Manual [Download]' https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...wiring-diagrams-owners-manual-download.41803/

 

[Jwredneck]

Wonder what the wait time is on replacement tanks. Or is it a hot swap tank? Just pull into the mall, swap tanks with the one on 40’s, and be on the way.

When our tank was drilled by gas thieves in June, Ford had the tanks in stock. Just had to get shipped from Michigan.

 

[broncobase1]

Might be. Makes changing the in-tank fuel pump easier.

Thanks for the heads up OP.

That is exactly the reason I had to remove the tank. Can happen on any vehicle, the filter is in there too.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

So…went to remove the skid for some winter prep cleaning and undercoating - unbolted the skid bolts one at a time…and the whole tank drops! Am I crazy to think/expect there to be some straps or something holding it in place?

Of course I JUST filled the tank this morning too.

Thanks for letting us know! That's interesting.

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