How is the OEM fuel tank skid plate mounted?

[jblc]

How is the plastic OEM fuel tank skid plate attached?
I'm adding one to a 2021 2wd FX2.

I haven't been able to find any documentation on this, and Benny (from Levittown) doesn't know what fasteners it requires.

The fuel tanks 2x steel straps have 4x ~1/4" holes -- unthreaded -- that line up with the 4x rather large (3/4" diameter?) fuel tank skid plate holes.
Since the fuel tank strap holes are unthreaded, it doesn't look like a simple bolt. Plus, the diameters don't match.

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[Frenchy]

To my understanding the Factory skid plate is attached but 4 nuts and bolts. The bolts I belive are pressed into the tank straps

 

[jblc]

Interesting... There also doesn't seem to be much space above the holes, before hitting the fuel tank itself.

There must be a procedure for this written up somewhere, i wonder why searches don't reveal anything.

Could any FX4 owners post a photo of a fuel tank skid plate's attachment point?

 

[Frenchy]

It isnt an FX4 part only. I belive it is a 4x4 part from the factory. I say thos because I have the sport package without FX4 and have the skid plate. Now it you can be a little patient next week i can get you some more information as my tank is going to be replaced with a bigger one and I will have the parts out of the truck for a period of time.

 

[jblc]

I belive it is a 4x4 part from the factory.

Now it you can be a little patient next week i can get you some more information as my tank is going to be replaced with a bigger one.

Ah, good to know! Thanks for the new info

And sure -- if you're will to share when it's off, that'd indeed be helpful

P.S. Are you replacing with the Australian tank?

 

[Frenchy]

Ah, good to know! Thanks for the new info

And sure -- if you're will to share when it's off, that'd indeed be helpful

P.S. Are you replacing with the Australian tank?

Why yes I am, I get the first tank since I helped them get so far on it.

 

[TBR17]

Studs seem to be in line with the straps as you mentioned above.

 

[jblc]

Studs seem to be in line with the straps as you mentioned above.

Nice -- thank you for the photo
Do you happen to know if these are special straps with the studs built into them, or if the straps are removed and studs added?
(Not sure if you installed this, or if it came installed)

 

[TBR17]

Nice -- thank you for the photo
Do you happen to know if these are special straps with the studs built into them, or if the straps are removed and studs added?
(Not sure if you installed this, or if it came installed)

Wish I could tell you, but the truck came that way. To your point it seems they are using the strap as an anchor for the stud due to the location of the hardware holding the skid plate in place which aligns with the strap. Guessing it is a strap that is fabricated for this application due to assembly line manufacturing. Maybe you can check with Ford parts and see if they have different straps for different applications with and without the skid plate.

 

[Trigganometry]

Take a look at this link. Says strap with shield so strap must have the studs applied. Also lower on page is the flanged nuts to attach shield. https://parts.lakelandford.com/p/Ford_2020_Ranger/Fuel-Tank-Strap/75166463/KB3Z9054D.html

 

[jblc]

Take a look at this link. Says strap with shield so strap must have the studs applied. Also lower on page is the flanged nuts to attach shield. https://parts.lakelandford.com/p/Ford_2020_Ranger/Fuel-Tank-Strap/75166463/KB3Z9054D.html

This is very helpful -- thank you

It seems like it should be possible to add a bolt/nut combo to the stock strap.
Although I wonder if there are any safety issues of a bolt, vs a stud that can't be pressed up through the fuel tank if the nut is loose (or accident, etc)

 

[VAMike]

This is very helpful -- thank you

It seems like it should be possible to add a bolt/nut combo to the stock strap.
Although I wonder if there are any safety issues of a bolt, vs a stud that can't be pressed up through the fuel tank if the nut is loose (or accident, etc)

Yes, there are some lessons to be learned about gas tanks and bolts in the pinto. This is not a place to screw around (pun maybe intended).

 

[P. A. Schilke]

This is very helpful -- thank you

It seems like it should be possible to add a bolt/nut combo to the stock strap.
Although I wonder if there are any safety issues of a bolt, vs a stud that can't be pressed up through the fuel tank if the nut is loose (or accident, etc)

Hi JB,

Things get weird when involved in crash testing....Little changes can make huge differences....caution is the operative word when making fuel system changes.

best,
Phil Schilke'
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[FoD]

I was able to snag a couple shots of a friends manual showing this about fuel tank. Sort of lets you know what to expect?

 

[1pt21gw]

There is almost enough there for Benny to create a Ranger skid plate kit. 2 new straps (if the studs are indeed part of the strap), 4 nuts, and 1 Skid Plate. Just need part numbers and someone to try it to confirm.

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