who runs fuel cells?

[Bray D]

we don't have a fuel systems forum so I thought I'd post here. future mods require me to relocate my fuel tank so I've been researching different fuel cell setups. what I've got so far is I need an aluminum tank with a ford sending unit, an in line pump capable of 40 psi, and a way to extend my fuel line. I'd like to know what pumps you guys used as well as hear/see where you guys mounted your cells/pumps etc. I've already got an idea of how I want to mount my depending on the size of the cell but I'd like to see your guy's setups.

 

[mkpecor]

my budy mounted his in the bed,he got his through summit raceing it was composet plastic they are really tuff cells,they can take a beating.if i find pics ill post them

 

[Punisher]

I have my fuel cell partially sunk down into the floor of my B2

 

[Bray D]

I've been pondering whether composite will be up to my application. my plan was to mount it between my frame rails toward the rear of my bed, taking the place of my spare tire. I plan on mounting it so it sticks through a couple inches making it accessable from my bed. I've read of guys running composite tanks and they get deformed over time, whether that's due to over tightening the straps or what I don't know. I figured since this is going into my DD and will be out in the elements 24-7, an aluminum cell would better suit my application.

asside from that, how big is the inline pump and where did you mount it?

 

[Bray D]

bump

 

[Punisher]

I used a stock on the frame pump from a bronco2, the great thing about ford is ALL of their fuel injected motors use the same fuel pressure, so any stock style on the frame pump will work.

Mine cost about $110 at Autozone, or Napa, I mounted mine up on the fenderwall so it is easy to get to, plus I ran all my fuel lines inside my boxed frame so that I dont have anything to hang up on or get ripped off on the trail.

 

[281Ranger]

I've been pondering whether composite will be up to my application. my plan was to mount it between my frame rails toward the rear of my bed, taking the place of my spare tire. I plan on mounting it so it sticks through a couple inches making it accessable from my bed. I've read of guys running composite tanks and they get deformed over time, whether that's due to over tightening the straps or what I don't know. I figured since this is going into my DD and will be out in the elements 24-7, an aluminum cell would better suit my application.

asside from that, how big is the inline pump and where did you mount it?

There is a factory tank that will do everything you want except stick through the bed. The '88 and earlier Rangers were available with a rear auxiliry fuel tank. Everything for it will bolt into your Ranger in place of the spare tire carrier. I put one in my '98 and I think I had to drill two holes. Only drawbacks are it's a 13 gallon tank and you have to find the crossmembers in a salvage yard (new tanks can be found). Go to www.car-part.com and search for yards that have them, then call to see if they still have the truck.

This is everything you'll need.

Looks like this installed.

The tank is the same shape as the BII tank just not as deep. So, the BII crossmembers might also fit. You'll have to measure them.

 

[offroadranger]

I have a JAZZ 22 gal cell. It has the metal casing on it, with a plastic cell inside. I took my stock intank pump and sending unit and extended the sending unit so it would reach the bottom of the tank. Then I drilled holes in the top of the sending unit so it would bolt up to the jazz filler neck mount. it just happens to fit perfect there. Then I had to make a new filler neck since I used the jazz filler hole for my pickup.

Works great, stock pump and sending unit so everythigns basically stock...AND the fuel gauge works.

 

[Bray D]

thanks for all the replies everyone. that's a good idea 281. I wasn't aware that option was available. I found one 55 miles away for 75 bucks. that's pretty appealing. a downfall though is departure angle. the rear line of my bed will run horizontally from my tailgate to my fenderwell. if the stock behind the axle tank hangs too low I may come down on it. I still need to get some measurements so I know what I've got to work with clearance-wise. again, thanks for all the insight

 

[ZMan]

thanks for all the replies everyone. that's a good idea 281. I wasn't aware that option was available. I found one 55 miles away for 75 bucks. that's pretty appealing. a downfall though is departure angle. the rear line of my bed will run horizontally from my tailgate to my fenderwell. if the stock behind the axle tank hangs too low I may come down on it. I still need to get some measurements so I know what I've got to work with clearance-wise. again, thanks for all the insight

it hangs less than 9 inches below the frame, and you can see that it tapers at the back. Contact AllanD, he has factory skid plates for them too if you were interested in running that tank. The real downfall to it is that its only 13 or 14 gallons. I'm doing the same thing on mine.

The main problem with a fuel cell is that no one makes a sending unit that has the correct ohms for a Ford fuel gauge, so you'd need to have one modified, or modify your fuel cell so you can use your stock intank pump/sending unit. If you had a 98+ I could get you in contact with a guy that makes adapters to use your stock pump in a fuel cell but unfortunately yours is a '96.

 

[Bray D]

like I said I'll have to do some measuring. it'd be real nice to use a factory unit, if anything because it'd be cheapest. as for the size I only add 20 bucks at a time, so that's what...7 gallons lol. where does the fuel neck run to? my stock location or does it run up to the rear of the bed like a 2 tank setup?

 

[281Ranger]

like I said I'll have to do some measuring. it'd be real nice to use a factory unit, if anything because it'd be cheapest. as for the size I only add 20 bucks at a time, so that's what...7 gallons lol. where does the fuel neck run to? my stock location or does it run up to the rear of the bed like a 2 tank setup?

The filler neck comes up behind the wheel well. I moved the fuel door on my truck, but you could get one of those "Bullitt" fuel doors at most any auto parts store. You could then put a battery disconnect switch inside the stock fuel door.

 

[Bray D]

I think you've convinced me. I checked out your cardomain and by the looks of it, it won't hang any lower than my leaf springs, especially since I've got 6400 shackles.

please excuse my ignorance, I've never dealt with fuel systems so it's time to learn. will I be able to use my original pump/sending unit? what all's involved with extending the lines (both fuel and electrical)? namely the type of fittings and hose I need.

 

[Bray D]

started lookin on the net to see what price I'd be lookin at and found this one a few places made by "Silla" tank link. scroll down a little bit and check it out. it says it mounts under the cab, is that the tank I'm lookin for? around 100 bucks new sounds like a deal to me

 

[281Ranger]

You want one that mounts behind the rear axle. There's a place in Decatur that has one out of an '88 Ranger, http://www.availableautoparts.com/ . Not sure if they have the rest of the truck for the crossmembers and stuff.