Dropping the fuel tank, replacing the skidplate, questions...

[OwnerCS]

Thank you for sharing the strap method. I used it yesterday and it works. I had a bit of a problem stretching the factory straps over the tank at the end. I was able to stretch the front strap over and tighten the bolt. I am however having a problem stretching the rear strap. I found using some 1x2 strips of wood to put over the strap with using a floor jack to push it tight against the tank. To get an extra inch for tightening the strap to draw it up to follow the outer tank guard shape, I will use an M10 x 1.25 48 mm stud. Once the strap has stretched to follow the tank shape, I will replace the stud with the stock bolt.

Strap mounted to the body.

 

[Normalyok]

Thank you for sharing the strap method. I used it yesterday and it works. I had a bit of a problem stretching the factory straps over the tank at the end. I was able to stretch the front strap over and tighten the bolt. I am however having a problem stretching the rear strap. I found using some 1x2 strips of wood to put over the strap with using a floor jack to push it tight against the tank. To get an extra inch for tightening the strap to draw it up to follow the outer tank guard shape, I will use an M10 x 1.25 48 mm stud. Once the strap has stretched to follow the tank shape, I will replace the stud with the stock bolt.



View attachment 3419542

Strap mounted to the body.

View attachment 3419606

How did you manage to replace rear strap? I can’t get access to it at all looks like tank should be dropped which I am scared to do because multiple lines should be disconnected

 

[Normalyok]

I made my tank almost full through pump opening. Me and my wife were able to install new skid plate without any straps for like 15 minutes. Also I did not remove shaft and it helped a little bit during the replacement because it kept tank not to fall down completely.

 

[Normalyok]

I made my tank almost full through pump opening. Me and my wife were able to install new skid plate without any straps for like 15 minutes. Also I did not remove shaft and it helped a little bit during the replacement because it kept tank not to fall down completely.

Sorry…. I meant almost empty…

 

[Normalyok]

I had to redo everything because I forgot to put rubber straps inside of a skid plate that I took away while painting skid plate. So, this time I did not pour gasoline which complicated a job. However, I took two wood sticks and inserted one between driveshaft and tank in a rear side and long stuck between gas tank and garage floor. So, when I did it and unscrewed bolts, my dear wife just had to balance gas tank so it always stayed on those sticks. Heavy tank also complicated putting bolts back and finding correct gas tank location…. But in 30 minutes all was done. Definitely straps approach is better and safer approach and job can be done by one person. But I did not have time for this and my wife always helps me when needed.