i noticed on my 30 gal fuel tank that the read strap was rusted right off. I bought new from dealer and installed it. Now, 1 month later, noticed it was hanging down again and that it came off from the Frame section and it was still bolted to the underneath of the bed section. So, I unbolted it, connected the little 'J' section back onto the frame and bolted it back up. Now, 2 days later, hanging down again. About ready to weld the D**N think on. But, my question is, on the 'J' section, should it just be connected using the first connector or should I connect it using the second connector? I think if you ever had one off, you might know what I am talking about, hard to explain what it looks like.

 

Not sure exactly if you're having the same problem I did, but the frame bracket thingy wore through. So I just welded a fat chunk of iron on the strap so it wouldn't fit through the hole it made... Kinda haywire but it works!
Hope I was helpful.

 

That was exactly what I did this weekend. The mount looked ok but upon further inspection, it was worn right where the strap hangs onto it. So, welded a couple of blops onto Mount, then attached strap and bolted that in, then tack welded the strap to the frame. It isn't coming off anymore. I figured I could break the tack welds if I do need to get it off.

Thanks.

 

Tinkering around the other day I noticed my rear tank strap was broken and the front strap wasn't far behind with a hole rusted through it!
Dealer ordered two straps with a grand total of over $100.00 . New Old Stock (NOS) for these trucks are getting harder to find and the $$$$$$ they are charging reflects it.
If you live in the salty winters of the north - check your tank straps.

 

How fitting. I just lost my rear tank strap on the way home from work and half a tank of fuel. Used a jack and a couople straps to hold it and got the truck home and came down here right away to check for fixes. I'll go out and try the welding method but I can't seem to get the bolt loose on the other side of the strap.

BTW my bracket is what is worn through.

 

I acutally had to CUT the bolt and just used a different bolt for the strap to the top of the body section. I used a slightly longer bolt which helped in getting the strap started to bolt up. A real pain even if using a car jack to support and push up the strap.

 

As long as your under there, you might check the fuel lines. The clamps on mine were rusted away to nothing. The rubber hoses only stayed in place because they hardened into shape. The leak was coming from the rusty, steel lines, so I bypassed them with new rubber.

 

Here is the fix I used. My strap had worn through the 'T' on the frame side of the rear strap. I removed the strap. Bent the 'T' over 90 degrees and lowered it back into the slot only now it sits flat on the top of the frame rail (careful not to squeeze any wires that run down the frame.) I then drilled a 3/8" hole in the frame and through the bracket and bolted them together, then proceeded to jack up the tank and fit the strap and bolt up in place on the middle of the truck side and presto the tank is in place and I didn't give dodge $98 Canadian for a strap that still would have fallen out of the slot.
Hope this helps. I can take a pic but don't know how much it would help if anyone needs one.

Now that I have it bolted like this I think when I have time I will replace both straps with new metal and just bend it to fit.

Todd