Body Bracket Replacment

[traacer]

Picked up a pair of new body brackets off flea-bay since mine were rotted out. Passenger side went on with no problems, but having a problem getting the bolts on the driver's side because of the gas tank. I'm replacing the rivets that were in there with grade 8 1/2 inch bolts but can't get the lockwasher and nut on toward the gas tank side of the frame rail. Any ideas that don't involve pulling the bed or tank? I was thinking of trying to put the bolt through the back by holding it with a magnet and putting the nut and lockwasher facing out rather than at the tank. BTW, the flea-bay brackets are beafy...http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Ranger...Parts_Accessories&hash=item58add80ccf&vxp=mtr

 

[97RangerXLT]

Looks like you have the 4x4... so if you have the shield plate below the gas tank, remove the tank straps (or loosen them enough that the tank drops onto the shield) and then you should be able to scoot the tank over a little bit, maybe enough to get in there with the bolts. I had to do this when I replaced the spring hangers on my truck a few years ago. made all the difference in the world in being able to get in there with a bolt and a wrench.

AJ

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

lol, last time I tried to fish stuff next to a gas tank was on my choptop... and I had to shorten a deep well socket and in the process I tried to shorten my thumb too with the zip disk....

Since I'm sure you are not interested in shortening any fingers, I'll let someone else answer, lol

 

[traacer]

Thanks guys, I actually got it just by pure luck and an old shop magnet