Explorer 4.0 gas tank fit 1st gen?

[84projectFORD]

ok so i came up with the idea of puttin the gas tank out of my 92 exploder in my 84 ranger so i dont have to try to mate the exploder fuel lines to the 84 ranger fuel lines then add a high pressure pump. i dont care about the fuel gauge, the rangers never worked (a long dipstick for a tranny out of a motorhome works great to know your fuel level ) but does anyone know if the that saddle tank out of the exploder will fit where my saddle tank on the ranger is. oh and my ranger is the 114" wheel base if that helps (long wheel base)

 

[MAKG]

There aren't saddle tanks on any RBV, AFAIK. Certainly not on an Exploder.

I believe those were only in 1973-78 GM full-size trucks, and they were a STUPID idea, exposing the fuel tank to collision forces.

All RBVs have tanks between the frame rails. Most of them are midship tanks (between the axles), but some (like Bronco IIs) are aft tanks.

And I believe there is enough room for the Exploder tank in your longbed reg cab (since both models have offset rear ends to clear one), but the frames are different and securing the tank may be an issue.

 

[84projectFORD]

right. thats the only way i could think of sayin what type of tank i had at the time lol. ok well ill give her a shot in tryin to put it in. if i have to redo the holding straps then thats no biggy. i was jsut wondering how well it would fit.

 

[AllanD]

The explorer tank will fit.... If you don't plan on installing the rear drive shaft.

The Explorer uses a wider frame spacing starting just aft of
the transmission crossmember.

You'll REALLY need to get a fuel tank from an EFI ranger.

AD

 

[84projectFORD]

or a fuel cell lol. ok i will probably start lookin for one or i might just put a high pressure pump on the fuel lines. not sure yet

 

[AllanD]

My recommendation is to seek the fuel tank from an '89-up.

You will have to make some modifications to the slots in the frame
where the straps engage, because the later plastic Ranger fuel tanks
use wider straps.

you actually get it easy, because the long box trucks don't require
the replacement of the fuel tank crossmember.

There is however another crossmember directly over the rear axle that
the Gen1's don't have (that you should add) because the rear strap for
the plastic fuel tank has three ends and one of those ends mounts to
that "extra" crossmember.

get the fuel lines from the same donor.

AD

 

[84projectFORD]

well im leanin towards the fuel cell as im getin ready to cage it soon and wont be runnin the factory bed. i really do appriciate the help and my just get a 89-up to get by on to move the truck around till the cell comes in. im not sure, its all in the air right now.