Gas Tank Skid Installation - Need Some Help

Hey guys,

I recently purchased the IFS, mid, and gas tank skids during the Black November event, and the IFS and mid skids were a piece of cake to install. Unfortunately, the gas tank skid has been a bit of a pain in the ass.

I purchased and installed the OEM TRDOR straps, and it looks like the studs / bolts on the straps might be a little short. I ran the truck down to 1/8th tank of gas, but there was still sufficient curvature / bulge in the bottom of the tank that I couldn't get enough threads through the skid mounting holes to get the nuts started. I followed the recommended method of running the jack right next to the holes, but rather than compressing the tank and snugging the skid up against the tank, it just moved the skid and tank upward together.

Did anyone experience a similar problem? My plan is to try running the tank even lower (down to fuel light + an additional 10-15 miles of driving) and opening the gas cap prior to installation to relieve any potential built up internal pressure.

 

The method we use with the jack is the only one we have tested and know works. I cant attest to the TRDOR straps being correct or not as they could be like our trucks and have small variances in them. The tank definitely is snug to the skid after install though.

 

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't contacted you guys yet because I was hoping to get some tips or tricks from other Pelfreybilt owners first.

I did find a guy at work with a Pelfreybilt gas tank skid, but he modified his own straps using carriage bolts, and it looks like they are about 1/2" longer than the TRDOR strap bolts. I will need to spend some more time under my truck to determine if my strap / tank setup just has too much bulge and then modify the straps if necessary.

 

@mantis toboggan just curious if your gas tank skid is steel or aluminum? Wondering if the thickness difference is causing the tighter fit. I'm running aluminum front to back except the gas tank and have been trying to decide which material I want to use for that when I do purchase.

 

@iRideMTB great question, I should've specified. I have the 1/4" thick aluminum skids all around. The 1/16" less of thickness on the steel skid would help a little, but in my case, I am probably going to get some bolts that are around 3/8" longer than the stocker TRDOR strap bolts just to be safe. I think I have the wrong combination of gas tank bulge + strap variation. I heard some pretty nasty groaning when I tried to jack the skid up snug to the gas tank, and I decided that it wasn't worth breaking anything just to avoid a little strap modification.

 

That sounds like the safest way to go! Just add a little modification with the longer bolts and you should be fine.

 

I have the aluminum skid also, and struggled with "short" bolts. I ended up using a floor jack and doing one end and then the other. Just start the nuts with a turn or two, then move to the other end. Once they're started, then keep on tightening.

Make sure you wipe down the bottom of the tank and that the skid is clean, so there's nothing sharp between them...