Got a quick question on skid plates....

[xsonmyeyes]

Hey guys, this may be a silly question to some of you but here goes.... I have searched the posts and looked in my Haynes :rolleyes: and haven't really figured out the answer...If I drop my skid plate off (witch is badly in need of some repairs) will the gas tank come down with it??? I prolly need to take it down to take care of the coffin rot anyhow but I'd like to know a little more before I tear into this project....U know how one repair leads to another and another....ect...ect... Any replies are apreciated!!:)

BTW...'91 Grand that is in my sig!

[jeeping1974]

the tank should stay up there as long as the strapes have not rotted out (which they should not be).

[joe]

Yes it will come down with the plate.

On 80+ Wags/Cheros it's not really a skid plate as in prior years sense it's "the mount that holds the tank" in place that also doubles as a skid plate.

[DanHS]

Yea, Jeep's brilliant idea was to strap the tank to the skidplate and bolt the skidplate to the frame. So on 80 and up rigs the gas tank will come down with the skidplate, that is if you can reach and break loose all the bolts, and then wiggle the gas tank free of it's tight fitment to the frame (the gas tank actually protrudes into the channel of the framerail for some added capacity). it's not too hard, but helps to have plenty of room underneath and an extra person to work the tank free, and a jack to support the tank too since it is somewhat heavy. There's an article or two in the tech archives here also.

[hampton123]

pull your driveshaft. trust me it wil help alot!!!! took me two days to get mine out. then i took off the drive shaft and it just kinda fell.... made me feel liek an idiot

[xsonmyeyes]

Thanks for the replies fellas....looks like I'll have to put aside a whole weekend or so for that repair!! :mad:

[chr1s]

*hint*
drive it till its below 'E' before attempting removal.

I had very little gas in the tank when i did mine over the winter.
Its alot easier than it looks.

Basically disconnect the fill/vent hoses, lower it a bit to get the vent/return hoses up top, then lower it on down. Might have to jack the jeep up a lil bit to get the the tank to drop all the way out.