Steel or Poly?

I need a new gas tank, Bad. Any opinions on steel or poly? Also any vendors that you recommend with good product at reasonable price?

Thanks

 

I replaced mine with steel, but sprayed it with undercoating before I installed it. Steel tanks are half the price of poly! Since we are in the south, you don't have to worry so much about salt etc like our neighbors to the north. Just make sure that you replace everything associated with the tank while you have it out. I replaced the filler neck, vent hose, sending unit, and most of the fuel lines all the way to the carb.

I bought mine from 4wd, but I have since heard that their customer service ain't so good. I have never had a problem with them, but.....

 

Just a comment - the 70-75 tank parts (filler etc.) are much harder to source than the '76-on parts, so don't destroy anything (ie filler hoses) when you drop the tank. You may need to reuse them.

IMO - you may as well replace the original tank with another steel tank. The original lasted more than 30 years.

 

Changed over to a 21 gal poly. Wasnt sure if I was going to like it but I do. Less time at the pump and a little more weight on the back end. Not sure if you can get a steel tank bigger than the stock 15 gal. Either way it is nice having a few more gallons on the trail. Just my 2 cents

 

If you have a skidplate and want to reuse it then you will probably have to go with steel
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From what I have read you re use the stock skid plate with the 21 gal poly tank. It just hangs lower. Might be a problem on the trail. If and when I do it, I'll go poly. We have the salt problem up here

Though now with a truck, my Jeep won't see much if any winter driving. Makes me a little sad now, but when it's 10 below, I probably won't careR)

High5

 

Just as a note, I'm doing this to get the rust out of the carburetor, not a leak. My thinking was that if I have to drop it and clean/coat an old tank why not drop a new tank in it. Are new steel tanks coated to extend service life?

 

Don't know - I doubt it. Modern replacement parts seem, on balance, to be of lesser quality than the originals. You could ask the vendor. My understanding is that most of the interior rust comes from condensation, not from water in the fuel. If you leave the tank empty, it will breathe with the temperature change and water will condense inside. Better to keep the tank filled if you can.

I'd guess that you'd have much less problem with water in the fuel these days, considering the high alcohol content in modern fuel. Alcohol dissolves in both water and gasoline, and will hold any water in solution.

 

MTS tanks are top notch.

 

I used the stock skid plate with the 21 gal poly. You have to do a little fabricating when it comes to the tank strap. I just welded a couple of tabs on both sides and cut and bent a metal strap to fit. I used a couple of pieces of rubber to keep from chaffing the tank. The tank came with an extension to lower the skid plate. It hangs a lot lower and I havent had it on the trail yet but it might pose a problem. I might upgrade my skid plate with some thicker steel after the first outing. I will try and post a pic tomorrow.

 

I was told yesterday by a respectable marine service shop owner that poly tanks will expand 10-20%. Any concern there?

 

I took your advice and talked to Mike at MTS. Turns out he was the owner! He answered all of my questions and concerns fantastically. I even learned that MTS is the only producer of poly tanks for Jeeps. What you see for sale by various vendors is MTS resold. But, in a market like this, wholesalers and distributors are very necessary. I am purchasing direct, and I highly recommend MTS due to their service.

Thanks again for all the input

Nick Switzer

 

I just replaced mine with a steel tank. On a '74, and I'm assuming your '73, the steel tanks are the only ones that are direct replacements and bolt on to the frame. The poly tanks have to be strapped to the skid plate. Starting with the '76 models (I think) the tanks were all strapped to the skid plate rather than bolted to the frame. I'm sure Mike at MTS explained to you that you will have to find some way to strap the new poly tank to your skid plate. Shouldn't be difficult, but it won't be a direct "bolt on" replacement like the steel tank would be.

I had no trouble finding a new filler hose. The filler vent hose I had to modify from a later model vent hose, but it was as simple as cutting it with a pair of scissors.

 

He did explain. He even gave me instructions for what to buy so that I can re-use the original skid plate, in lieu of purchasing their skidplate and strap.

 

Goranothos,

Did you modify the '76 and later vent hose? And, how did you cut it (I've never seen one)? Sorry to be a hijacker; but, that's good stuff to know. Mine is currently heater hose.

 

I attached the new filler hose to the new tank and installed the steel "nipple". Then I attched the later model vent hose to the nipple and, if I remember correctly, wound up cutting a few inches off of the end that attaches to the fuel tank. Heater hose would work, I'm sure, but the vent hose has the bend pre-formed where it attaches to the nipple, so it is less likely to close off.

 

One thing to think about when deciding steel or poly tanks. There is much more alcohol in todays fuels than in years past. Due to the detergent nature of alcohol and it's ability to absorb moisture, metal tanks are much more prone to corrosion than ever before. It's a real issue here in Oregon. Just food for thought.