KRB

Is anyone able to find them new? RockAuto has straps for '92 diesel but the picture looks like the older gas ones (Threaded stud on top through crossmember & bottom bolts to frame). Says it's for a 6" frame. I've not finished removing my broken one but I'm assuming they're different in length? Otherwise why have two kinds for the same frame?

Oliver may have some good used, just thought I'd check for new too, they're only $36 a pair. Not checked with my NAPA yet.

BHD

This guy seems to do really nice work. The ones he makes are stainless, and not Chineseum junk. I haven't bought anything from him, but I am really impressed at the work he does.

https://metalbycharlie.com/products/...el-tank-straps

u2slow

Beware that rockauto simple regurgitates whatever verbage is in the mfr's listing.

The non-IC diesels uses the 6" frame and straps with 2-bolt ends. This style may be the same as gas models. The 91.5+ diesels use the 8" channel frame and the straps have the T-shaped ends - not bolts.

KRB

BHD, those look sweet! And cost seems reasonable (not cheap) considering what RA wants for the apparently non-diesel ones as u2slow points out.

Anybody know offhand how much "play" the tank has if it's completely hooked up but the straps are off? Wondering if I'll have room to clean & paint the frame if all I do is remove the straps but keep the intake & wiring intact?

oliver foster

Between the driveshaft and the fuel tank in the way, that job will be very hard to do well.
Slide the filler neck out of the tank, pull the two fuel lines off and the one wire plug in and give yourself some room to work.

Run the truck or drain the tank so it is not totally full will help. I like to lower the tank down using two floor jacks to ease it to the ground once the straps and lines are removed.

KRB

That's what I was afraid of. I might just have to do that though. I just don't want to make this an exponentially larger job than just fixing the issue at hand. As opposed to my habit of falling (sometimes jumping) down the rabbit hole of "well, while I'm this deep I might as well...".

Do you ever come across decent used hangers or all they all in various stages of rusting away?

oliver foster

I just used some left over good straps that I painted quickly [with a brush] before installing on my latest, Project Covid, the '93 2wd to 4x4 club cab swap.

I do keep some good hangers around.

I see a lot of ratchet straps on the old yard plow trucks, holding up the old tank. The last '93 W-350 I worked on two weeks ago had two ratchet straps holding the tank and no OEM tank hangers. The lower edge of the frame where the OEM straps would go was completely rotted out, so tank straps would have been useless anyway.

I liked the look of the stuff the guy BHD posted a link too. The couple of 4x4 NV-4500 brackets where cool looking.

KRB

And I like the idea of supporting small specialty businesses that provide an improved product, especially when few or no others are.

I need to add up the rest of the parts I need (mainly IP seal kit) before I start on the truck and decide what I can afford. I've gathered up the calipers, rotors, brakes hoses, axle u-joints, seals and double deep tranny pan over the past year or so.

While it's laid up in the shop, I really need to paint, at least, the hood and roof before this patina turns into rot. Maybe do a high quality roll on job...

death row dave

I use a motorcycle jack to raise and lower my tank to the floor , it works very easily and seems to balance it very very well . Just a thought .

KRB

I ordered a set and they arrived yesterday. They are really nice. Not checked for fitment yet but they look good!

Thanks for the tip BHD.

BHD

I'm glad to hear they are as advertised. You are welcome for the tip, I don't know that guy but he seems to make quality stuff for a fair price.

KRB

That he does. And the price seemed reasonable to me for what is is.

Looking over his web site I clicked on those repro Mopar 17" steelies. Beautiful wheels but $DANG$!!!

bannerd

I used landscape steel and made my own but those ones above are super nice! wowza.

u2slow

Those straps are $214CAD to my door after all the things are paid... so if there's was any wonder why some of these great products don't sell well to Canada... there it is.

I can get the 2ndgen straps (ST191) to my doorstep for $40CAD - and modify them... or build something cheaper from scratch.

BHD

I saw those too. I'd like a set for my '74 with the dog dish centers.