15 gal tank?

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chicago

chicago

Joined
Jan 18, 2006
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Location
Reno, Nevada
Looking for opinions....
Need to run a fuel cell as I had to chop the tank well out of the floor pan on my 76.
Is 15 gal of fuel enough? I know that this is a very subjective question and it depends of what Ill be using the rig for...
FYI, it will be a rock rig almost exclusively running trails like the Rubicon, fordice, moab etc. The thing is, its gotta get me TO and FROM the trail, so it will be seeing a fair amount of road time.

So the question then becomes...should I sacrifice stroage space to run a 20 gal tank, or would the 15 gal be enough?

Ill also be running two 10 gal gerry cans as well on a swingout off the bumper.

Id like to save as much space as possible for gear, but...gear wont do me much good if I dont have enough fuel either.

See the dilema!

Thanks for any input!

Chicago
 
17 gallons worked fine for my buddy's full body buggy with a 400 SBC on 39" Iroks back when he drove it to the trailhead. Usually we'd top it off right before the highway, give it a check when we got close to the trail head and then top it off on our way back home after wheeling all day. Obviously like everything else your results may vary. With the Jerry Cans you're looking at 25 gal total fuel capacity with a 15 gallon cell, I think you'll be fine.
 
I was at WFO a few weeks back and they were building a trick between the frame rails tank (I think it was 18-20 gal). It even used the stock filler location. I think Beau and Trevor are on Pirate, might send a PM and see if they have pics of it. They don't have any pics on their website (4x4 Custom Truck Parts | Off Road Truck Parts | California Custom Trucks)
 
climber8483 said:
May want to check out this tank by RCI. RCI Racing 2191A - RCI Aluminum Fuel Cells - Overview - SummitRacing.com It's 19 gallons and is a tall rectangular shape. I was looking at using this so I wouldn't take up as much space.
Click to expand...

This is one that I was considering for behind the seat location. They have one that is a 15 gal that would be LESS obtrusive. On my rig, there is an angled step that transitions from the bed to the cab. That is 12 in front to back (in relation to the rig) and the cell that you linked to would fit in there, but it would leave little room for the seat all the way back.
Where were you thinking about running this in your rig?

Thanks for the input!

Keith
 
nicholastheczar said:
Keith, have you checked out Marks Offroad Fuel cell? I have been looking at it as an alternative to the under the seat tank. Looks well made and not a bad price point either.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/380555-marks-offroad-fuel-cell.html

Nick
Click to expand...

Im limited in the rear of the frame rails because ill be shooting the rear axle WAAAAAY back! I think this would interfere with the diff?
I did see this when you posted up on it. Caught my eye until someone brought up the WB stretch aspect.
 
bsilva132 said:
I was at WFO a few weeks back and they were building a trick between the frame rails tank (I think it was 18-20 gal). It even used the stock filler location. I think Beau and Trevor are on Pirate, might send a PM and see if they have pics of it. They don't have any pics on their website (4x4 Custom Truck Parts | Off Road Truck Parts | California Custom Trucks)
Click to expand...

Cool!
Thanks for the link. So they do custom tanks to builder spec I guess?
Might be an option if nothing off the shelf works.
 
If you are coming down the hill this weekend for the Placerville swap meet, might be worth a slight detour to their shop. It is in Auburn (almost to Grass Valley), right off hwy 49. They are super nice and helpfull and have a sweet facility. They built the tank for a customer who originally had the 28 gal Aussie tank. They did not like how high it made the seats sit, so they custom built one for under the bed. If you talk to them, it was for the 5-week build FJ40. Pretty sure they are done with it now.
 
Last edited:
GarageRat said:
RCI Racing 2172A - RCI Aluminum Fuel Cells - Overview - SummitRacing.com That's what we're putting in one of the 40s at my place and this RCI Racing 2151AS - RCI Aluminum Fuel Cells - Overview - SummitRacing.com is what my buddy's buggy runs. I'm thinking of trying to sink mine in the bed floor slightly to keep some space.
Click to expand...

The flat tank is interesting, and I hadnt seen that one before. could potentially work under the seat?

So it seems for most people that 15 gal is not ideal, but it works okay?
Ive got an 01' 5.3 L vortec to 4L60E trans with an NP203 to a 19 spline split case for a doubler. Ill be running 35 in tires (initially) then going up to 37's with 4.88 gears in the diffs.

What is the WORST on road mileage you all get in your 40's whether with an F motor, or chevy or other?

That may help me to be able to decide if the 15 gal would be enough, or leave me wanting more capacity....

Thanks for all the input gents!
 
The flat one can be found on ebay brand new for 150 if you're patient, it's a little big for under the seat but fits in the rear bed coming up about halfway up the wheelwell. I can go measure it tomorrow if you'd like.
 
GarageRat said:
The flat one can be found on ebay brand new for 150 if you're patient, it's a little big for under the seat but fits in the rear bed coming up about halfway up the wheelwell. I can go measure it tomorrow if you'd like.
Click to expand...

I appreciate it, but it gives the dimensions on the summit link, so its not necessary.

Ill be in the garage today, so Ill do some measuring around to see what is what.

Thanks again for the help!

Keith
 
Keith,
I am thinking of putting it right behind the front seats since I don't have any rear seats and want to leave as much room as possible open back there for tools and spare parts.
 
climber8483 said:
Keith,
I am thinking of putting it right behind the front seats since I don't have any rear seats and want to leave as much room as possible open back there for tools and spare parts.
Click to expand...


Gotcha!
That is where Im looking at too, and for the same reason.

Thanks!

K
 
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