Dual gas tank ranger?

[Wilcox]

Have an 88 extended cab and has the two tanks with switch. Just had to change the drivers side middle tank. It had rusted out at the seam at the front of the tank. There is a hard plastic cover that protects tank from rocks or what ever and road dirt and debri settels between the two and sooner or later if ya dont clean it out it will rust out.

 

[rosscob]

I've got an '88 XLT Extended Cab and mine has the dual tanks and the spare mounted in the bed behind driver. When I switch to the rear tank the gas gauge doesn't but other than that it's a great option.

 

[Mr. Apathy Cream]

I just went through fixing the dual tanks on my 83. Had to replace the selector valve and replace all the lines, vents, etc. I think they changed up the senders for 85 through 88 dual tank trucks so they may be different that the first year trucks too.

If you have a good rear tank take care of it because you won't find one for sale ever. I think the only reason mine survived is because old diesel doesn't rust out tanks like old gas will.

 

[tomryan31]

These are awesome. I've seen a lot of after-market options as spare-tire replacements. I've been debating going about getting one myself.

 

[Mr. Apathy Cream]

These are awesome. I've seen a lot of after-market options as spare-tire replacements. I've been debating going about getting one myself.

I warn you it isn't a cheap or easy path to go down. The only reason I fixed my duals is because I plan to add warming coils to the rear tank and run peanut oil, cooking grease, etc. My little perkins is going to smell like deep fried fast food going down the road. Plan is to start it up on the front tank with regular diesel then switch over once the grease is warmed up.

 

[LeftHander]

More data on the fuel systems:

The carburetted fuel system will look like the fuel injected setup, but are not interchangeable. Physically, the tanks will mount the same, but the sender units are different sizes where they mount. The electrical connections are not the same, and the lines are also different. Generally, this is '83/84/and '85 with carbs, and '86 onward for injection.
Every Diesel Ranger I've seen had dual tanks, whether 2.2L or Turbo 2.3L. IIRC, they ran diesel into the '87 model year. I don't recall if any of their fuel system had interchangeable parts with the gasoline trucks. I suspect that they used the carburetted tanks and lines, though.

Consider adapting block heaters to the rear tank, so it can be pre-warmed. Might need to insulate the fuel lines to keep them warm, also.