Gas tank strap question

[nadsab]

Hi, I just read in this thread: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26924&highlight=tank+strap

...that the gas tank strap is bolted onto the frame on the drive shaft side, and the other end of the strap simply hangs onto the frame which is on the inside part of the frame flush with the gas tank, which I believe the strap hangs between the frame and the gas tank – that is, if I am understanding the above post correctly...

My question is, is it necessary to either remove the tank or raise the bed, to hang the strap onto the frame?

It seems I can get at the bolt OK near the drive shaft but the other end of the strap, between the tank and the frame, is it possible to slide that end of the strap between the frame and the tank and get it to hang? If the strap simply hangs there maybe I can slide it in between the tank and the frame and get it into the above described triangular hole?

I am talking about the rear strap - mine is broke rusted through but the front strap is still holding the tank...

 

[adsm08]

I've gotten my straps off with the tank in before, but they were whole. My understanding of your situation is that it broke off above the level of the tank where it can't be easily reached.

Taking the bed off probably won't help much, so I'd try to jack the tank up a bit, see if you can reach that way, if not you may need to take it out.

Did you try to get the long needle nose pliers in there?

 

[nadsab]

No the busted strap rusted through, and is half gone, the part of the strap that is gone is the part that bolts to the frame near the drive shaft, and the part that is still attached to the vehicle is the end which attaches between the frame and the tank, not the drive shaft side...

 

[nadsab]

Yes I can actually get a needle nose pliers in there or a fat screw driver actually the strap is just hanging there on the frame, I can move it back and forth, I can almost get it off by hand but it wont come off, how would I get it off? Is there some tab I have to bend to pull the strap out of the hole in the frame? Not sure what to grab onto since I can't see the end or the hole in the frame....