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

[redone17]

So glad I only had it on a Quicklift and had a buddy nearby. It’s all safe and sound - bolted back up and undercarriage is covered in stanky Fluid Film. But, I didn’t get to remove the skid and clean underneath. I’ll save that for spring after the salt and I’ll be sure to have an empty tank!

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[SROC3]

I have a Big bend - So it had NO skids/armor, except for the Front Bash guard and a diff plate (both very thin). I added RCI Steel skids, front to back - and the instructions on it did say to secure the fuel tank with rachet straps to prevent it from falling. Sorry to hear what happened, but thanks for the reminder as I will add this to the review/description on my build thread to inform others.

 

[lakesinai]

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.

Is that the Ford OEM gas tank protection plate that came with the vehicle? Or is it an aftermarket item installed after purchase?

 

[redone17]

Is that the Ford OEM gas tank protection plate that came with the vehicle? Or is it an aftermarket item installed after purchase?

Stock skid-plate that comes on Black Diamond and Badlands.

 

[Bird Dog Off Road]

Only reason I knew was due to watching the JCR fuel tank install video and reading the instructions on the RCI aluminum plates I just bought.

 

[Wildfire1]

We just did that task. There are precautions you need to take.

 

[Murph56789]

That’s the way it is on the 80s-90s broncos also. Pretty common. Would be easier to clean with straps. But I also think it’s easier to remove tanks with no straps. Ratchet strap a floor jack to the bottom of the skid and/or tank. Then you can slowly lower and move it once it’s unhooked.

 

[Sitruc_btb]

Odd design, but thanks for the heads up.

 

[Edsasso]

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?

On my 79 bronco, it is the same way.

 

[sklnbnzaz]

Ratchet Straps before you unbolt the tank. Had to do it to remove the Skid. Do it empty!

 

[redone17]

On my 79 bronco, it is the same way.

Guess they wanted to stick to tradition!

 

[helifino16]

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

20??!! - only for those with the 'luxury' (4-dr) versions. The rest of us are getting very familiar with our neighborhood gas stations with our frequent visits (lol).

 

[cyberfalco]

Good catch. Not at all unexpected as Wranglers have always been like this.

 

[SCBronco1]

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.

True, the difference now is that they don't have to use an angle grinder and get those pesky sparks all over the fuel tank to cut the straps off.

 

[Chaos]

Technically it does have straps. The tank skids, if equipped, use the same mounting point. good example of why it pays to research before ripping bolts out. old days we looked at diagrams in chiltons, etc., now you type in bronco skid plate removal......

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