I heard a loud clanking noise in the middle of busy Phoenix traffic, and when I finally got a chance to stop and look under the truck, the rear fuel tank strap had come lose. Only half of it is there, the other half is what I heard clanking on the road.
So, are these things easy to get and install?
I had the front one replaced a long time ago. So far its holding the weight of a full diesel tank all by itself.

 

I'm sure it isnt hard to change. But I would get a ratchet strap or something to hold it while your waiting to get a new one.

 

Anyone know if this is an available part, like from NAPA?

 

If you have a welder friend just have him make one.
I've made a couple, takes less than half an hour and $10 worth of materials.

 

Bill, that works if you have access to a "friend" that is a welder. Otherwise they charge more than a new one.
I have one ordered out of Los Angeles at $32.00 which seems cheap enough. In the meantime, have a ratchet strap holding it firmly in place.
Thanks,
Del

 

I had stripped threads on one of my bolts holding the front strap on. The front strap is under the cab and hard to get to but the rear strap has more room to work. I used a tap and managed to clean-up the threads. Here is a post of mine with several pics:

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...tripped-2.html

I had a source for the bolt. It was an online Dodge dealer in Oregon I think. I'll see if I can find it again and post later.

Dave

 

Here is one at Rock Auto for $35.79:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

You have to enter your truck info (Dodge; 1997; Ram2500 pickup)to get to the fuel tank strap. Its listed under "Fuel/Air" then "Fuel Tank Strap" heading.

Dave

 

I had one break a few years ago, i was able to weld it back together

have you check a wreck yard?

 

This is not a new problem.
I had one on my 1984 Dodge gasser 1/2 ton break years ago.

Mental note to crawl under my current '99 and check the tank straps.