What fuel tanks on 88 ranger with dual tanks?

[matt12305]

Both fuel tanks have rust in them. I think it's better to replace them cause before this, the truck has been sitting with both tanks full of gas for 14 years..I'm having troubling finding the right fuel tank. The book says the front fuel tank is 14.5 gallons and the rear is 13 gallons but all I can find is the 17 gallon one for single tank rangers

Specs: 1988 Ford ranger, 2wd, 2.9 v6, extended cab, dual tanks, front tank capacity:14.5 gallons, rear tank capacity: 13 gallons
Can anyone help me find the correct fuel tanks?

Thank you

 

[don4331]

The rear tank has been out of production for years (?decades?) and there isn't enough demand for anyone to do a run in aftermarket.

So, all you get these days is the single front tank...

 

[matt12305]

Oh..well that sucks..maybe if I really want it, I just buy stuff to clean out the rust and hope it doesn't rust over again. Do you know where I can find the part number for the 14.5 gallon tank up front?

 

[Curious Hound]

If you're going to swap to single tank, I would recommend the 17 gallon tank.

Some people have installed BII tanks as a second tank. But I believe they hang down a bit low. Plus, you have to give up underbed spare tire storage.

 

[matt12305]

It's dual tanks from factory, not modified, so the tire isn't even underbed, it's bolted and locked to the inside of the bed.
I'm not sure if a 17 gallon tank would fit where the 14.5 gallon tank is supposed to go

 

[Blmpkn]

Oh..well that sucks..maybe if I really want it, I just buy stuff to clean out the rust and hope it doesn't rust over again.

There's all sorts of tank sealing products out there that'll eliminate the chance of the tank ever rusting internally again. Redkote comes to mind.

 

[matt12305]

Oh okay cool thanks for the tip, I may have to do that for the rear tank if I can't find a replacement

 

[don4331]

That reminds me - I'm supposed to track down @alwaysFlOoReD here in town as he is supposed to have one of the rear tanks in his ranger to get the dimensions of the tank and the cross members.

 

[Rimjam]

I was told the rear tank fuel pump is no longer available.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

That reminds me - I'm supposed to track down @alwaysFlOoReD here in town as he is supposed to have one of the rear tanks in his ranger to get the dimensions of the tank and the cross members.

Pm sent.

 

[gaz]

Matt,

You can use a BII tank for the rear, even a BiG Bronco tank will fit in the spot as will a number of other larger fuel tanks (for the rear).

As mentioned a larger rear tank will need more space below the frame. I have a 23 gl BII tank in the rear of my Ranger but I seriously considered using the 32 gl BiG Bronco tank instead.

There are many suppliers online for these fuel tanks and the OEM intake fuel pumps are just as easy to aquire.

 

[RobbieD]

Honestly, if were me I'd drop both tanks, drain and clean them, and then assess both for if they can be reconditioned, or if they are not salvageable.

I run into this more and more with my own trucks. It's getting a LOT harder to find many parts for these first and second generation Rangers, and in most cases, a serviceable original part is better than what's being made new these days.

Whichever route you go, good luck in getting it sorted out.

 

[Shran]

I agree, assess the outside for rust first, especially the front part of the front tank where there may be a big plastic cap over the tank. That is where they usually rust at first. Then do your best to scoop out any goo that is inside the tank and inspect it for holes. I have cleaned gas tanks with muratic acid before and it works very well to dissolve rust. You must flush it with a LOT of water after. You can then use it as is if no holes show up or coat the inside with a sealer.

 

[RobbieD]

On my B2 I've actually cleaned the gas tank on the inside by putting a length of chain in it through the pump hole, and then suspending it on a rope from a tree limb so that I could tumble it. After that a good soapy water wash and clean water rinse, and then let it dry out completely.

Real "shade tree mechanic" huh?

 

[superj]

we used chain or marbles.