mrmel2you Posted January 14, 2017 Share Posted January 14, 2017 I just seen an ad up on Ebay from "Martins Auto Parts" for a "new" 23.5 gallon steel fuel tank for '86-'92 Comanches. States that it will be a factory fit for all Comanches (2.5-4.0 engines, 2 and 4 wheel drive, short or long bed). Has anyone purchased/installed one? Was wondering if the stock fuel pump/sending unit would work in it or would I need to replace it with one from an XJ (with the larger tank)? I did find out though that in order to mount the larger tank, I would need to go from a twin strap mounting to a 3 strap mounting (they sell that also) but they could not help nor answer my questions about the fuel pump. Don't want to install it and find out the fuel gauge is giving me the wrong info. Many many thanks in advance, Papa Mel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted January 14, 2017 Share Posted January 14, 2017 Using your sending unit shouldn't be an issue. They're all basically the same, just the pump and the polarity to the sender are different, it'll still go in and sit where it needs to. Any info on the manufacturer of the tank? There's only a couple manufacturers still making them, if you can find a part number you might find a better deal somewhere else. You'll also need to get (or make) a third j-bolt to go with the third strap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted January 14, 2017 Share Posted January 14, 2017 The 23.5 gallon tank will NOT fit a short-bed Comanche. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted January 14, 2017 Share Posted January 14, 2017 ^^^ that is true. I was only thinking of sender in tank compatibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmel2you Posted January 14, 2017 Author Share Posted January 14, 2017 On their website, both tanks (18 and 23.5 gallon) appear to have the same dimensions from the cutouts towards the front of the tank, the 23.5 one is a bit longer from the cutouts to the rear. Seem to be the same depth and width, just longer. I took a screen shot of both tanks and super imposed them on top of each other to check it out. Looks like it should be a fit and could work. Went ahead and ordered one, if it doesn't fit---they do have a 30 day return (free return shipping too) even if it was installed. Will let everyone know what I find out when I get it and put it in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted January 14, 2017 Share Posted January 14, 2017 I highly doubt it will fit. The 23.5 gallon tank is the same in the front as the 18 gallon, but it's longer in the back and takes another strap. 18 gallon is 29.75" long and the 23.5 is 36.5". The back end of the tank will be into the axle... If it miraculously fits, do let us know. I kinda think that one is a rebranded Spectra Premium (or comes out of the same factory). All the other ones on the market are painted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted January 14, 2017 Share Posted January 14, 2017 If it fits, I'll be amazed. Why would Jeep have created a third tank size for the shortbed if they could have used the same tanks they were already using in the longbed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88whitemanche Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 If it fits, I'll be amazed. Why would Jeep have created a third tank size for the shortbed if they could have used the same tanks they were already using in the longbed?Heavier loads eats more gas maybe? Eager to see if it fits, always had in mind to do the swap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strokermjcomanche Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 I remember people trying to install the load leveling coil shocks on the rear of the Lwb trucks and the coil making contact with the tank . I don't think the tank will fit without cutting a portion out to clear the axle / shock etc . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 Mine came from the PO with a load-levelling shock (only on the driver's side?) that doesn't interfere with the 23.5 gal tank... But it is close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strokermjcomanche Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 Mine came from the PO with a load-levelling shock (only on the driver's side?) that doesn't interfere with the 23.5 gal tank... But it is close. Right ( drivers side hits) , and add the 6 inches in length and it's gotta hit . Here's a post that Neohic mentioned his drivers side shock hitting the tank (6th post down ) http://comancheclub.com/topic/41774-better-then-oem-suspenion-in-rear/?fromsearch=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 On a SWB the shocks are mounted behind the axle. That said, I measured mine and I really doubt it would work. It might, but it will be either super close to the axle and cause some discomfort, or actually hit it. That said it looks like the hole is in the frame for the third strap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted January 15, 2017 Share Posted January 15, 2017 Mine came from the PO with a load-levelling shock (only on the driver's side?) that doesn't interfere with the 23.5 gal tank... But it is close.Right ( drivers side hits) , and add the 6 inches in length and it's gotta hit . Here's a post that Neohic mentioned his drivers side shock hitting the tank (6th post down ) http://comancheclub.com/topic/41774-better-then-oem-suspenion-in-rear/?fromsearch=1 :dunno: like I said, mine is close but doesn't actually hit. Could be a different brand shock I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-man930 Posted January 16, 2017 Share Posted January 16, 2017 Watching... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 So it's been 2 weeks or so, did you get your tank? And did it fit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dzimm Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 I'd like to know too. The 23 gallon Dodge Dakota tank fits in a SWB but just barely so I could see this working if it was designed in a similar way. If it's an exact copy of the factory 23 for the LWB it for sure won't fit as it uses 3 tank straps and there is only spots for 2 under the SWB. The third would sit right above the axle. Unless you want to drive a giant molotov I wouldn't recommend it. Are there any pictures of this tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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