Downey Auxilliary fuel tank?

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firebox40dash5

Joined
Dec 26, 2007
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Does anyone have experience with Downey's 22-gallon fuel tank/cell for the 40 series Cruiser? I'm actually looking for a tank for my 2001 Tacoma that will work with a 3-link rear and tube bed. The Downey tank seems to fit my requirements- sending unit that both fits the tank and is compatible with the stock Tacoma fuel gauge, mounts in the rear of the frame so it's centered and won't interfere with the axle or links, and holds more than my stock 17-gallon tank.

I've never really heard much positive on any of Downey's products, so I wanted to know if anyone has used this, and what, if anything, its downsides are. Obviously this won't be a bolt-on, I'd be running an external fuel pump, and mounting it under the rear of the tube bed with some substantial skidplating. Any experiences anyone has are appreciated!
 
You can also try Rocky mountain cruiser. They've got a nice 22 galong tank with skid plate. Take a look at this link. Auxiliary Fuel Tank.

I have never used this shop before so some input from other MUDers would be nice.
 
I like Downey's stuff and have been using it since the early 80's. Why not just pick up the phone and call them? Ask for Jim Sickles (sp?) and have him give it to you straight. He's on this forum, maybe he will reply.

I would think you would get a better response in that method than throwing it out here and seeing if it sticks to the wall. There is all kinds of well-meaning but grossly incorrect information going on.

Good luck.
 
kcustom73 said:
You can also try Rocky mountain cruiser. They've got a nice 22 galong tank with skid plate. Take a look at this link. Auxiliary Fuel Tank.

I have never used this shop before so some input from other MUDers would be nice.
Click to expand...

That is they type I have. I like it very mucho. Glad I did not have to pay that price.damn.
 
Thanks for all the replies! The main reason I liked Downey's tank (other than the fact that it's much cheaper :D @ <$600) is that it has a level sender that works with the fuel tank and has the correct impedance to work with my stock fuel gauge. This would be my only gas tank- the stock Tacoma tank is smallish, weighs down the driver's side of the truck, and isn't 3-link friendly.

The other two, being dedicated aux. tanks, don't seem to have provisions for a level sender, and are made to just transfer fuel to the stock tank. The one with a skidplate doesn't do much good, as I'd most likely have to fab up a skidplate anyway since it's not going in an FJ. Downey's looks like the closest to a bolt-on, other than a fuel pump and mounting it, which is no biggie given the circumstances. I just wanted to know if anybody has it or knew anything good/bad about it.

Seems Downey has a much better rep with the Cruiser guys than with the rest of the Toyota community... I don't dislike them, but many of their products seem overpriced and outdated these days, and a few of them (E-locker cable actuator comes to mind) are just poorly executed. I really haven't found anything on the new poly version of this tank- if anyone has personal experience with it good or bad, I'd like to know.
 
My '79 has an auxilliary fuel tank that someone gave to me, they said it was the saddle tank from a Bronco, don't know if they meant classic Bronco or big Bronco, it is some sort of plastic material, came with a factory steel tub (skidplate) to sit in, fits between the rear frame side rails and last two crossmembers as if it was made for it. Holds about 14 US gallons.
 
The Downey products I have used over the many years I've been fooling with crusiers have always been good quality. Yes I also agree that most of the time I feel they are over-priced. But still good quality. I have the aux. 22 gal. tank I purchased a long time ago in my '78 fj40 and it was easy to install and all the parts fit the way they should. Took maybe a couple of hours to install. It was a 1banana job. More than once though I've had trouble dealing with their customer service over the phone. I dont order anything from them now because of being talked down too like I was an idiot. I have been working on landcruisers longer than most of the service rep guys have been breathing air. The guy that owns the place sometimes is here on the mudboard. The ideas of buying from the manufacture is something worth looking into though. Good luck with the project, iy is a good mod!:beer::beer:
 
RufusTheDufus said:
Why are these tanks only good for vehicles thru 1980? I was hoping to get one for an 82 BJ42 but don't know if it will fit.
Click to expand...

it should fit, the mufflers on 79+ run across the rear behind the axle so it would be in the way of the tank.
you can run one, just need to modify the exhaust....wait that's on gas motors, not sure how your bj exhaust runs
 
BJ exhaust is on opposite side from FJ, but the stock muffler is in the same place.
 
The biggest drawback I have found is that the rear axle may hit the tank depending on your lift. I've had to shorten my tank front to rear to do a spring flip. Now I'm looking at ordering some Alcan Springs to move the axle back another 3+ inches and my tank will have to come out. I seriously doubt a linked rig or even a SOA with a wrap bar would be able to run it without the axle or links hitting it.

MAF has a 28 gallon tank fits under the driver and passenger seats that would be nice but last time I checked they wanted $850 for it :eek:. I may end getting the dimensions off this take and making one out of aluminum that fits my rig and will allow to go with EFI next year.
 
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