Gas tank removal

[stevekop]

I have a 1989 Jeep Comanche with a leak in the fuel tank.  1.  How do I remove the tank it appears to have a skid plate over it  2. I know that replacement tanks are available, but do they make one out of plastic and should I even consider it.

 

 

Steve

[SBpunk]

There is a skid plate with a few bolts on it. Not hard to do. The tank is held on by 3 straps (or 2 depending on the tank size) Need a deep socket or a ratcheting wrench. Drain the tank first with either a manual pump or unhook the feed line out of the tank and drain it that way. Even if it has a little bit of gas its going to be a pain. Unplug the sending unit before dropping it. Once you do that drop the tank just a little and reach up top to unplug the breather tubes. I'd drop the rear driveshaft also but not necessary. I'm short so without the driveshaft I fit pretty easily to keep it balanced while a buddy lowered the jack. Get a new metal tank off Ebay it'll come with the new rings you need. I used vasoline to keep the rubber gasket in place when I put the pump back on. Put the new tank on a bench or back of the truck, put a little bit of gas in it then put everything together. Tip it over to make sure its not leaking before putting it back up in the truck. Good luck 

[Hippie66]

I bought a new steel tank on Amazon.

[johnj92131]

I have never seen a plastic OEM gas tank for the Comanche.

 

You can find new, steel replacement tanks on Amazon and Ebay for less than $100, depending on size.

[DirtyComanche]

Unfortunately none of the replacement tanks are plastic.  I purchased a Spectra Premium steel replacement tank for my shortbox, and I feel it is of acceptable quality and will probably last quite well.  I did go to the effort to paint it for added rust protection though.

 

For a plastic tank guys have been able to use Dakota ones, however the pump and sender are different and it would not be a direct bolt in.