How is the OEM fuel tank skid plate mounted?

[Ranger_Rocks]

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?

So the fuel tank skid plate is mounted directly to the two straps that hold the tank up under the truck ???

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[Frenchy]

So the fuel tank skid plate is mounted directly to the two straps that hold the tank up under the truck ???

Yes sir. This is quite normal for "most" factory fuel tanks. On the aftermarket it may be similar or different depending on the company.

 

[BobKnake1968]

A few months ago, I bought a fx gas tank skid plate. Today I went to install it.
I found that was not going be an easy install

Hoping to go to Lowe’s tomorrow
Buy bolts
Support the tank and drop the bolt from the top.
Hoping there will be room to the head of the bolts. Fingers crossed.
Hope to go by straps with a stud in it.
I’m a more of a mall crawler than I am an off roader.

 

[Frenchy]

A few months ago, I bought a fx gas tank skid plate. Today I went to install it.
I found that was not going be an easy install

Hoping to go to Lowe’s tomorrow
Buy bolts
Support the tank and drop the bolt from the top.
Hoping there will be room to the head of the bolts. Fingers crossed.
Hope to go by straps with a stud in it.
I’m a more of a mall crawler than I am an off roader.

Just be aware that the fuel tank skid plate is not FX4 exclusive. It came on my truck and it is simply a 4x4 sport

 

[jblc]

A few months ago, I bought a fx gas tank skid plate. Today I went to install it.
I found that was not going be an easy install

Hoping to go to Lowe’s tomorrow
Buy bolts
Support the tank and drop the bolt from the top.
Hoping there will be room to the head of the bolts. Fingers crossed.
Hope to go by straps with a stud in it.
I’m a more of a mall crawler than I am an off roader.

Based on some concerns raised on this forum on crash safety, I ended up getting the proper fuel tank brackets, with integrated studs: I didn't want to risk a normal hardware store bolt pushing up and through the fuel tank, causing a rupture/explosion/etc.

Presumably they designed the fuel-tank skid plate straps with crash safety in mind, and I didn't want to risk anything.

 

[daniel3507]

This makes it look like it would be an easy swap to go from plastic skid to metal skid if one is made. I'm sure that gets into safety issues though

 

[jblc]

This makes it look like it would be an easy swap to go from plastic skid to metal skid if one is made. I'm sure that gets into safety issues though

Exactly; agreed. Actually, originally I was planning to mount a metal skid plate as well, until Phil and others on this forum pointed out the testing / puncture criteria for fuel tanks in crashes.
Ie non-Ford metal skid plates could "can-opener" the fuel tank in a crash, whereas the plastic one could not. Ford tests with the current plastic one, and presumably designed them correctly for this vehicle.

It seemed important enough of a concern (at least for me) to not risk it.

 

[BobKnake1968]

this is the front bracket

KB3Z-9054-B ​	​

I am unable to locate the rear bracket.
I think maybe I have found it.... going to order and let ya know....


Presently, I'm looking for the OEM Nuts...
I know i can go to LOWE's and get nuts & washers.... and they would work... but I want OEM....

KB3Z-9054-B​

Fuel Tank Strap​

 

[jblc]

I wasn't able to find OEM nuts...and stores didn't know either. But, they're not holding a large load anyway, so I think anything would work. I used M8 locknuts with fender washers, and they work fine (at least, it seems like they do ).

 

[BobKnake1968]

Kind of figured.
Presently I have the front strap and the tank skid plate. The rear strap is on order. Hopefully in the next 2 to 3 weeks I’ll be able to get it mounted finally.

I will have to keep an eye out for some flanged locknuts. I may have to resort to McMaster Carr. Or maybe Fastenal. Are used to have a friend that worked at Fastenal and get me everything I wanted to samples. But that was a lot of years ago. We will see

I wasn't able to find OEM nuts...and stores didn't know either. But, they're not holding a large load anyway, so I think anything would work. I used M8 locknuts with fender washers, and they work fine (at least, it seems like they do ).

 

[Trigganometry]

Kind of figured.
Presently I have the front strap and the tank skid plate. The rear strap is on order. Hopefully in the next 2 to 3 weeks I’ll be able to get it mounted finally.

I will have to keep an eye out for some flanged locknuts. I may have to resort to McMaster Carr. Or maybe Fastenal. Are used to have a friend that worked at Fastenal and get me everything I wanted to samples. But that was a lot of years ago. We will see

Just did a quick lookup for metric flange nuts. Just need to know the size and order away. https://www.mcmaster.com/flange-nut...-type~metric/thread-size~m10/nut-type~flange/

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

I am an idiot, maybe I should look under my truck before I purchase things. I have a 4x4... I also have a spare fuel tank skid plate if the case is that there is one I wonder if @BobKnake1968 ever got the right straps and part numbers.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

100% I am adding a steel skid plate to my fuel tank. I don't see any reason to remove the factory "plate" though. I'll build around it and attach to the frame with 1/4" air gap between the old and new plates. Nothing will be attached to the tank, straps, or strap mounts..

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

So it turns out.... 2020 Ranger Lariat 4x4 does not have a fuel skid plate. Thank the lord I did not waste money. However, I found out I am in need of the OEM bolts... Since this thread was probably my only hope I shall go the route of M8 locknuts with fender washers like @jblc said. Just in case, is there different lengths for these M8 locknuts and which length do you recommend? And any washers that will go around will be okay, no specific ones? Sorry not very knowledgeable when it comes to things like this.

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

So it turns out.... 2020 Ranger Lariat 4x4 does not have a fuel skid plate. Thank the lord I did not waste money. However, I found out I am in need of the OEM bolts... Since this thread was probably my only hope I shall go the route of M8 locknuts with fender washers like @jblc said. Just in case, is there different lengths for these M8 locknuts and which length do you recommend? And any washers that will go around will be okay, no specific ones? Sorry not very knowledgeable when it comes to things like this.

Personally I think I'd be getting the proper straps if I were going to add the plastic skid plate. Between the bolt heads bulging into the tank, securing the bolt without weakening the strap, and other fitment problems, I think the cost of the strap is probably worth it.

Good luck either way.

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