I've got a 98 4x4 xlt stepside, I'm doing some work on the frame, so I pulled the bed. Looking at the gas tank straps and crossmembers, they look like they need to be replaced. So taking a closer look at the tank, I noticed that on the in side (closer to driveshaft), there is like an outer cover extending from half way on the top to the inside. I'm not talking about the skid plate. Is this a pert of the tank or can it be removed when I take the tank out? Speaking of which, it that a pain to do or fairly easy? Also have any of you replaced the straps and the tank crossmember, if where did you get them or did you fab your own?

cheers,

John

That dimpled metal sheeting is a heat sheild. I think it goes over the exhaust and continues around the underside of your tank.

This part is the reason many manuals say that you need to remove the exhaust before dropping the tank.

But lets put it this way. Its flexible. It'll bent out of the way and it'll bend back. Have a method of resecuring it after you remove the stamped nuts. Cause those probablyy won't be going back onto the threaded studs..

why do you think you need new straps?

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08 4.0 Sport 4x4
Stock

One of the straps are rusted of at the end and the other looks about ready to. The front crossmember and the rear one look rough as well.

John

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08 4.0 Sport 4x4
Stock

MPG in north america is rated at 55mph!! a little ford secret.

That is very relevant to fuel tank straps and heat shields. Thank you for that. It's also not true. The EPA sets the test standards. Not ford. And it isn't 55mph either. And it isn't a secret either... http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

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the tank drops pretty easy with the 2 13mm bolts holding the straps but the fuel lines can be tough to get apart some times. Some years have a plastic shield on the tanks and some have aluminum. I think the newer ones are aluminum. They are just held to the tank with plastic straps. The cross members could be changed but I'm not sure if they are available new, a bone yard might be the only resource. Also not sure on the straps.

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