Second Fuel Tank in a Ranger

[Strelok]

I've been toying with the idea of adding a second tank to my Ranger.
I've been reading a few threads about it but they're not very informative.
It seems like there was a second tank option for the Ranger at one point but it's rare to find, so a Bronco 2 tank is probably my best bet. It hangs low but my truck is already lifted 4" so it should clear.

Seems like the B2 tank fits between the frame rails just fine, but might(?) require the crossmembers out of the B2? or a custom one?
The two main issues it seems like are that the short bed Rangers have a shock mount in the way, and the filler tube points at the bed.

How bad of an idea would it be to just move the shock mount to the other side of the frame rail?

My bed has a second angled spot in the back identical to the one in the front that the filler tube goes through, this means I would have clearance right?

Most threads mention having a second fuel pump and filler neck, but why would I need that?
Couldn't I just plumb the B2 tank into my current tank and have it function as one big tank?

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

So I added a second tank to my 87 ranger. You will have to add the correct crossmember, tank straps, wiring, tank selector switch, tank selector valve, fuel hose, return line (if yours is efi) and filler neck.
The issue with plumbing them together is the rear tank is several inches higher. That means you would only be able to utilize about hslf it's capacity. Easiest route in my opinion is to find a wrecked truck of the same year and pull everything out of that. Otherwise you'll be building on to your original harness which turned into a pita for me because I'm not the best with wiring.

Edit: the tank is the same as the B2 tank, if you go that route just get the crossmember, tank, straps, nuts n bolts and skid pan.

 

[joey74]

So I added a second tank to my 87 ranger. You will have to add the correct crossmember, tank straps, wiring, tank selector switch, tank selector valve, fuel hose, return line (if yours is efi) and filler neck.
The issue with plumbing them together is the rear tank is several inches higher. That means you would only be able to utilize about hslf it's capacity. Easiest route in my opinion is to find a wrecked truck of the same year and pull everything out of that. Otherwise you'll be building on to your original harness which turned into a pita for me because I'm not the best with wiring.

Edit: the tank is the same as the B2 tank, if you go that route just get the crossmember, tank, straps, nuts n bolts and skid pan.

Any pics? Thanks joey!

 

[sooperxtool]

I have been curious about adding some fuel capacity also and I have been pretty turned off by all the work it would take to make it right. I'm relatively handy but I make no claim to be a fabricator by any stretch of the imagination.

I haven't purchased it yet, but I think my favorite compromise is this portable tank that also includes a hose and nozzle. At $100 I think its reasonable. I have dirt bikes that it would be handy for too.

I don't recall if outside links are allowed... its called DuraMax Flo 'n Go and can be found on amazon

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Any pics? Thanks joey!

I'll have to get them when I get home sunday. Basically you just have to get the correct harness for the frame, install a selector switch, install the appropriate crossmember for the front of the auxiliary tank and then plumb it in. By installing the correct crossmember, it will bolt in using factory parts.

 

[rngrracing96]

So I added a second tank to my 87 ranger. You will have to add the correct crossmember, tank straps, wiring, tank selector switch, tank selector valve, fuel hose, return line (if yours is efi) and filler neck.
The issue with plumbing them together is the rear tank is several inches higher. That means you would only be able to utilize about hslf it's capacity. Easiest route in my opinion is to find a wrecked truck of the same year and pull everything out of that. Otherwise you'll be building on to your original harness which turned into a pita for me because I'm not the best with wiring.

Edit: the tank is the same as the B2 tank, if you go that route just get the crossmember, tank, straps, nuts n bolts and skid pan.

Was your install basically plug and play? I found a dual tank ranger at the junk yard so I grabbed the whole wiring harness, selector valve, dash switch, fuel lines, rear tank and straps, and rear crossmember. I like the idea of having a dual tank set up but I am wondering if it is more trouble than it is worth. I have an 86 super cab 2.9EFI and the donor was a 85 single cab long bed 2.9EFI.

1. Is the wiring plug and play? It appears so to me. I see a wired plug in the dash harness for the switch. There is an empty fuse for "Aux tank" in the fuse panel. And the front of the fuel wiring harness looks like it will plug right in to the harness under the hood that comes out of the driver side firewall.
The only issue I see is that there was one plug that I don't have in my truck. The main fuel harness runs along the frame but there were 2 wires that lead into a plug that went up through the center of the floorboard behind the seats (single cab). I plan to go back and trace those wires.

2. Can I bench test the selector valve? Is there a noise it makes when changing or can I see a change in something down the inlet or outlet ports? Hate to install everything and have the valve not work.

 

[gaz]

Strelok:

The the Ranger front tank is 17 gls, a behind the axle Ranger auxiliary tank is 13 gls. BII behind the axle tanks are 23 gls; you could mount either with very little effort. I have also heard if individuals mounting the full size Bronco's 32 gl tank behind the axle.

I am currently finishing up a BroncoII behind the axle while having removed the forward tank completely. This is a very simple PROCEEDURE since I still only have one tank. I did use the forward cross member from a BII, then moved the Rangers rear cross member forward so that the tank's weight was as forward as possible.

Extending the wiring is simple as is extending the fuel lines. The thing most stumble over is adding the tank selection switch and associated wiring.

I have found that the full size Bronco tank is tempting, the only reason I am not currently going that route is that there are 2 different inlet styles; a 2" or 3½" inlet for the pump assembly.

Still thinking about it but the 2" style sounds like a nightmare.

 

[Dirtman]

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

BII tank does not fit the same as a Ranger tank, here is a BII tank install:

BlackBII's white ranger

Just when I think I am starting to make headway on mine you remind me of what I need to do yet. Both rear spring hanger brackets don't look hot on mine and I think one shackle needs replaced. Looking good though, that frame looks new with paint on it. :icon_thumby: Get on it! Those hangers...

www.therangerstation.com