Fun Fuel Tank Project

[Frenchy]

So as.many already know I was working with Long Range Automotive many years back for a Long Range Fuel Tank for the Ranger. Well now that I have a Frontier I went on a quest for a bigger tank for it. Well the nice thing is I found a 155 Liter/40.95 Gallon Fuel Tank to replace the Factory 80 Liter/21.125 Gallon Fuel Tank. I made the order in late October and the Tank has been built and will be on its way this week!

What Brand Tank did I get you ask? I went with Outback Accessories Australia. Why them? Well I have a retailer in Australia that is a dealer for them that was more than willing to work with me to get the tank! To say the least they have been awesome in forms of help and customer service! The company is 4x4 Mods Australia/Car Mods Australia. Great guys over there and have no problems sending things to the States. Just keep in mind with the Tariffs that have been imposed since April. You will have to pay them.

I'm expecting a tank sometime next month. Once it shows up I will take documentation of the install and let you guys know what I think about it

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[Frenchy]

The Tank is here! Just arrived today and I got it home. I have to get a few more things before I can install it, but once that is done I will be set! Also unfortunately the install has to wait until the end of January due to the schedule. Gotta love it when you are busy.......

 

[awd.nv]

Dang, man I REALLY wish the Ranger had a larger tank but the one Long Range made was so big I didnt like it hanging down so low. A Factory 24 gallons would have been awesome for towing and off-road. I just don't know why 18 gallons when I think most others are 21 gallons?

 

[Frenchy]

Dang, man I REALLY wish the Ranger had a larger tank but the one Long Range made was so big I didnt like it hanging down so low. A Factory 24 gallons would have been awesome for towing and off-road. I just don't know why 18 gallons when I think most others are 21 gallons?

As much as I agree that the Ranger should have had a larger tank especially since the Transit has two options from the Factory(25 and 30 gallon) I found the LRA Tank to be nice. I got to see it in person. With a lift(not a level) you still had more than enough clearance for most 4WD situations. The real issue for those complaining about the hang is those that level instead of lift and those that thing the Ranger is a Crawler(it's not). In reality the capacity the LRA Tank offered was real nice especially those like myself that want to stay off the beaten path for extended periods of time. If I recall it was a 34 gallon Tank? With the MPG you could see with the Ranger especially on the trail, that was more than enough before getting a Jerry Can.

For the Frontier I believe the is the biggest capacity I will be able to see before Jerry Cans. The MPG I see on the trail and simply basing my range off of 35 Gallons(give myself a reserve and with most apps you can get 35 Gallons max at the pump per fill) will be between 490-630 miles. Not bad when you think about it.

 

[Frenchy]

Well I'm finally getting ready to do the install of this tank this weekend, but I have a question for some of you. @P. A. Schilke might have a great answer for this one.

Strait from the manufacturer of this tank they highly recommend that I use fuel or similar to pickup any metal particles and drain it out so I don't have issues. This is due to the welding of the tank and minor particles being left in there and I did see some already. I'm curious what I can use besides Fuel so I don't waist fuel and have a good option that hopefully won't cause issues if I have some left in the tank.

 

[Friday yet?]

Water? Give it a good rinse then use some methanol to absorb any remaining water? Or to be a bit safer, and easier to get, just use isopropyl alcohol. Use the 90 not 70% version.

just throwing ideas out there.

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

High % iso alcohol is a good one and then blow it out with shop air after you dump the alcohol. You can get many bottles very cheaply and do the flush a few times.

 

[Frenchy]

Water? Give it a good rinse then use some methanol to absorb any remaining water? Or to be a bit safer, and easier to get, just use isopropyl alcohol. Use the 90 not 70% version.

just throwing ideas out there.

Water I don't think it's a good idea since water doesn't do well with mixed with fuel. Alcohol on the other hand might not be so bad.

 

[Frenchy]

High % iso alcohol is a good one and then blow it out with shop air after you dump the alcohol. You can get many bottles very cheaply and do the flush a few times.

Thankfully I do have shop air available. I might give that shot

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

Yeah the alcohol will evaporate really quickly, I just figure the air flow would get it out of any nooks and crannies. Good luck!

 

[Frenchy]

Yeah the alcohol will evaporate really quickly, I just figure the air flow would get it out of any nooks and crannies. Good luck!

Unfortunately due to the built-in baffles, I can only do so much. That's it I can certainly give it a try and do better than nothing

 

[Friday yet?]

Water I don't think it's a good idea since water doesn't do well with mixed with fuel. Alcohol on the other hand might not be so bad.

Water for the actual rinse. Then the alcohol to absorb any remaining water. Methanol has a huge affinity for water. But isopropyl will work as well, just take more of it for the same result.

 

[Frenchy]

Well after today I can say I'm close to being done(I'll have it completed tomorrow hopefully). The old tank is out and most of the prep work is done. If anything I had some minor road blocks, but I have the tank ready to go in. If anything I decided to give you guys a side by side comparison of the two tanks. The old tank(right) is 80 Liters or 21.125 Gallons. The new tank(left) is 155 Liters or 40.95 gallons. Definitely an upgrade of sorts and will allow me to stay on the trails longer!

I'll have more pictures tomorrow of how it turns out.

 

[Friday yet?]

This is cool Frenchy! Thanks for keeping us updated. Looking forward to the finished project.

 

[Blue Streak]

Well after today I can say I'm close to being done(I'll have it completed tomorrow hopefully). The old tank is out and most of the prep work is done. If anything I had some minor road blocks, but I have the tank ready to go in. If anything I decided to give you guys a side by side comparison of the two tanks. The old tank(right) is 80 Liters or 21.125 Gallons. The new tank(left) is 155 Liters or 40.95 gallons. Definitely an upgrade of sorts and will allow me to stay on the trails longer!

I'll have more pictures tomorrow of how it turns out.

How much does that tank weigh?

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