How are gas tank straps attached to the body?

[driggity]

My truck has a leak from the gas tank when full so this weekend I started the process of removing the old tank. Once I got the plastic "tank protector" off I realized that everything down there was in bad shape in terms of surface rust. I've gotten two of the three nuts loose that hold the staps on the inboard side of the tank and think I'll be able to get the third loose so I'm not too concerned about that. I'm worried about the condition of the straps themselves though and want to replace them. However I can't tell how the straps connect on the outboard side. It almost looks like there are straps attached to the frame that then hook onto the straps that go under the tank and connect to the bolts on the inboard side but I can't tell because of all the rust and gunk that is built up. If I get replacement straps do they attach directly to the frame and if so how? If not how do they attach?

 

Thanks.

[Geonovast]

The ends that go in the frame have pins, that sit inside slots in the frame. No bolts or anything in the way, when you get the tank out of the way, you can turn and remove them.

[kastein]

x2, you turn the end of the strap 45 degrees and the pins hanging out each side will slide out of the cutout in the frame.

 

When I replace an MJ tank I generally:

* drop the driveshaft (chock wheels first) - it comes out much easier with this out of the way, and goes in MUCH easier. Disconnect the fill hose, vent hose, electrical cable, fuel lines, etc.

* cut the straps. You can buy em brand new on rockauto. You can't buy the bolts though... at least not OEM ones, you can use concrete J-bolts and other stuff but nothing quite the same. I'm picky that way.

* use a dremel to cut opposite faces of the nuts on the J-bolts till it's about even with the peaks of the threads. Stick a flat blade screwdriver in one cut and twist till the nut breaks, then unscrew the nut. Use a wire wheel or die to clean the rust and gunk off the bolt, buy new stainless steel nuts and washers (believe they are M10x1.5?)

* drop tank... if it didn't already fall out with the straps cut!

 

Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly except you curse at different points :rotf: