Speaking of rear mounted tanks....

I have a CJ3A frame with a M38 body on it with all '71 CJ5 drive train. I tried to fit the rear gas tank from the '71 under the frame at the rear where it came from the CJ5 with no luck. I was about to mount it in the bed of the jeep but I thought I would ask you guys if there are any tricks to get the tank up in between the frame rails without any major mods or damage. I struggled with it for about an hour and was afraid I was going to put a hole in it so I gave up. Thanks for any tips, Chris.

 

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24208
you probably already read this one, and this one?
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24228
maybe someone will post pics

 

The original rear tanks from the 70-71 models are not the same as the later rear tanks. The 70-71 models are not held in with straps they are actually bolted in on the corners. Is the tank to wide for the frame rails or what. There should be 2 corner brackets in the rear and a bracket on the front that has 2 bolts that go relatively in the middle. The 70-71 model tanks do not need straps or a skid plate to mount in place at all, so this should help you identify if it truly is a 71 model tank.

 

Problem using the 71 tank or any of them for that matter in the flattys arethat they about 4" shorter than the CJ5 in the rear. Some folks that own flattys have converted to a rear tank. I guess it's gonna be a custon unit or modify in some way the later CJ tank. Any help on that?

 

It is definitely a '71 model gas tank as I have taken the entire drivetrain from a CJ5 that I know for sure is/was a '71. The statement about the frame being about 4" shorter makes sense 'cause it will almost fit, but not quite. I friend of mine has a rear tank in his and he said he had a local shop modify a DJ tank to make it fit between the framerails. Oh well, thanks for the help. I guess I will be working on getting the tank mounted in the rear of the bed of the ol' girl.

 

If you're mounting a fuel tank in the rear bed/cargo area, I have two words for ya: "FUEL CELL" I don't want to even think about the ramifications of an unprotected steel tank right behind you.