Muzikp's Sometimes Driveable Build

Nice job, you are giving me the itch to finally do my power steering.

 

Thanks. It really wasn't very hard, you should go get started tomorrow

 

Got everything out of the front of the tub and it's worse than I thought it was.





And then I made it worse





Then I welded in new sections of floor so I have a flat space across the entire tub for my new gas tank





This looks like a lot of spatter but it's mostly just the light hitting all the dirt and shavings





So now there is lots of sanding, grinding and painting to get the floor all done.

But that doesn't sound fun so I got out my aluminum for the new gas tank.





Might be able to find some time tomorrow to start getting it cut and bent into shape. I should probably keep focusing on the floor and get it all cleaned up, we'll see.

 

So I guess you have plenty of clearance for your drive-line?

 

Yes, I have a SM420 and the way it sits in there with the T-case I don't need that hump space at all. Do the Jeep's with the stock tranny need that space?

 

I guess every install is different...........but if your concerned about Center of Gravity and ground clearance.......that area can help them both.

 

mine does not, my last one did not either. I think it works as a body stiffener more than anything.

 

I think this mod made my body stiffer, it’s heavier gauge plate than the body sheet metal. And I put a thicker 2x1 hat channel connector where I cut the old one out,

 

I want to get this tank all cut out and ready to weld up, then while it's out getting welded I can finish up the floor.

Here's the rough layout, the bottom of the tank is very thick aluminum. The sides are also thick, I think the top will be much thinner to save some weight. There will be two baffles in the middle to slow down the sloshing back and forth.







The sump will be a 3x4 piece of aluminum rectangle that sticks down thru the floor, I'm thinking if it's 6" deep I'll be able to run on an incline for a long time with that much gas in the sump.

Need some opinions please.

I've drawn it up in CAD to determine volume. The stock underseat tank is about 6.75" tall.

If I make the tank 6" tall it will hold 24.2 gallons.

5.5" tall it holds 22.2 gallons

5" tall it holds 20.2 gallons.

There is also an option to gain some foot room and lose a few gallons. I could take 3-4" off the width in the foot wells and do 6" tall. Might be nice for comfort.

Do we think I need more than two baffles?



I've heard people say a V6 say takes around 16-19 gallons to run the Rubicon, would really like to be able to do this without jerry cans. Are there any advantages of a short tank over a tall one or vice-versa.

Discuss

 

The bottom of the tank is 1/4" aluminum plate, it's really heavy.



The top will be 1/8" aluminum plate



I have enough material to do the sides in either 1/4" or 1/8". I'm thinking 1/8" would be better for the sides, I don't want the weight. The baffles should tie it all together enough that it will still be strong with 1/8".

Thoughts?

 

dont know about the baffles but i love the concept, i would love to build a bench seat for the front of mine and this concept sure beats the dual tank! cant wait for more!

 

I think the extra capacity is worth it. As for the consumotion question, and since we are in the same general area, I have been able to run the Rubicon leaving from home, driving to the trail and through the trail on between 20 - 25 gallons, I have a v8 so your mileage may vary.

 

The more baffles the better..........I would think about 6..........two where you have them now and two on each side......floor to ceiling and then perhaps 1/2 round 2" Diameter holes along the bottom edge only.

What grade aluminum do you have?

 

Also agree the more baffles the better.
Recently repaired a semi rigs external tank and each baffle was about 10 inches apart.

 

My tank holds 24 gallons. I have driven from S. Lake through the trail and out the Tahoe City side with plenty of fuel. I still take a Jerry can just in case.
I like the looks of the tank you are making.

 

I was thinking simple V cuts along the bottom edge but same concept. Need at least one hole on the top for the air to make it to the vent tho. Sounds like I'll be adding baffles, especially given the info about the semi truck tank.

 

24 gallons, that sounds nice, where is your 24 gallon tank?

 

I have to admit, this has me reconsidering where and how I was going to mount a tank in mine. It would open up room for a muffler bigger than a bean can.

 

It is a rear mount after market tank.