gas tank

[78brxltnut]

:angry: finally got my truck in the garage,i just put 14 gallons gas in it,ill try to post some pictures,i got this Bronco for free,but anyway,the next morning,the garage smelled like gas.its a small leak,but i cant see it,so i gonna drain it and install a new tank,so just wanted to know should i do plastic or metal.

 

[Seabronc]

:angry: finally got my truck in the garage,i just put 14 gallons gas in it,ill try to post some pictures,i got this Bronco for free,but anyway,the next morning,the garage smelled like gas.its a small leak,but i cant see it,so i gonna drain it and install a new tank,so just wanted to know should i do plastic or metal.

I wouldn't use a plastic tank, unless I also had a skid guard for it. Otherwise, I'd say it is 6 to one half dozen of the other. Plastic does have the advantage of never rusting /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> .

Good luck,

>-

 

[Broncobill78]

Yup, SeaBronc is deadnuts right. If you've got that heavy skid plate then it really doesn't matter and there really is a pretty good arguement for using the plastic tank (it'll never rot, never rust internally with scale messing up your lines, it's lighter and quite possibly tougher. You *should* be able to get a foam insert for it to make it just as good as a fuel cell, etc. You'll only have to install it once & then you can forget about it) but if it's hanging out there all on it's lonesome I'd go with steel. Also look into the different plastic tanks available, they're NOT all created equal. I would definately pony up the extra bux for the thickest plastic tank available compared to a brand-X bargain tank. A thickwalled plastic tank could well be tougher than a stock steel replacement. Pay close attention to the specs of whatever you're looking at. Come to think of it I'd maybe go with a premium plastic tank over a steel replacement even *without* the skidplate but NOT without scrutinizing the specs & doing some research. It wouldn't surprise me at all to find that the thickest premium plastic tanks are more impact resistand than your basic OEM replacement steel tank. Like I said, it'll take some research but for your basic run of the mill plastic compared to steel I'd still take SeaBronc's advise.

On a related note since you'll be replacing it *anyways* I'd be sure to spend a few extra bux and replace the float & sending unit too. It's the perfect time to do it and even though they may be working fine right now you'll be ****** as **** if you have to take it out 2 or 3 yrs down the road to replace it. Put in a good quality replacement now (one from Ford or a high-end aftermarket, NOT something from Autozone or even NAPA.) and it'll be something you shouldn't have to worry about again for the life of the truck. That's money well spent in my book. Same deal with the foam insert, you'd only lose something like 2% of your fuel capacity but the increase in safety makes it WELL worth doing. It's cheap peace of mind when you're out there getting airborne or maybe putting it on it side. They're tall trucks and you never know when some pinhead in a Corolla will slide under you from behind, for a few dollars & maybe a half-gallon of capacity you'll feel much better knowing it's in there. Just my $.02 on the fuel cell thing.

 

[Seabronc]

I wouldn't use a plastic tank, unless I also had a skid guard for it. Otherwise, I'd say it is 6 to one half dozen of the other. Plastic does have the advantage of never rusting /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> .
Good luck,

>-

PS

Like Broncobill78 said do your research when choosing plastic, get specs and compare them. One negative characteristic of plastic is that it can become very brittle in cold climates, don't just take someones word for it, ask for the test results. If you live south of the center of the US, then that probably isn't a concern. However in the Northern states and Canada, that can be a different story.

Good luck,

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

So you got a 78 Bronco XLT for free.....?!!!

Good score. $-)

Chances are you have the optional 33 gallon tank, so make sure of the size before you order one.

As was said, both types have advantages/disadvantages. Metal will rust, and plastic will split and tends to seep gas from temperature changes. Lots of newer cars have gone to plastic tanks, but that's probably because of less weight and lower cost.

Another advantage of plastic (polyproplyene) is that it's resistant to alcohol, so if gasahol is sold in your area that might factor in your decision.

Just had a thought: If you have a 33 gal tank like me, it now takes a $100 bill to fill it up at todays gas prices....... $-) $-)

Ka-ching.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

Just had a thought: If you have a 33 gal tank like me, it now takes a $100 bill to fill it up at todays gas prices....... $-) $-)
Ka-ching.

Metal tanks rust out from within due to condensation, and start clogging fuel filters before they start leaking. Tanks that are routeenly less than half full have more condensate, and rust out quicker, than those that are kept full. One may want to consider if he fills up each time he stops for gas, or if he is typically running on a quarter of a tank.

BTW... I noted that Plastic tanks have typically 2 - 3 times the warranty than steel.

I agree with SeaBronc that a skid plate is a nice safety addition.

joe

 

[Johnny Reb]

Metal tanks rust out from within due to condensation, and start clogging fuel filters before they start leaking. Tanks that are routeenly less than half full have more condensate, and rust out quicker, than those that are kept full. One may want to consider if he fills up each time he stops for gas, or if he is typically running on a quarter of a tank.
BTW... I noted that Plastic tanks have typically 2 - 3 times the warranty than steel.

I agree with SeaBronc that a skid plate is a nice safety addition.

joe

On e both of my bronco,s I went to plastic problem. I also went ahead -put in a new sending unit,float,ESPECIALLY NEW RUBBER LINE-----WERE IT CONNECTS MY COPPER TUBEING -TO THE TANK and a new skil plate with new bolt. You might want to get 4 LONG bolts for each corner--INCASE YOU HAVE TO DROP THE TANK AGAIN. I do not know if I can mention the parts cataloug --(haha( from Chicago) but the tank was made in Texas and the plastic is thick. I bought the 33 gallon tanks . They are tough--to one test I put it through. I sat on one the whole winter and it never gave a bit. I also went ahead and replaced all the steel tubeing with COPPER----so I would have less trouble. I know it cost a little more ,but I am figureing on driveing mine for along time and WANT-LESS TROUBLES.-Hope my ideas helped you.