Fuel tank protection

[AKbigsub]

I am preparing to build a rear bumper for the burb and would like to see what others have done to protect their fuel tanks. I plan to incorporate the receiver into the new bumper. However, the current receiver aids in protecting the tank (especially important due to crappy departure angle). If I remove the current receiver, I will gain at least eight, maybe 10 inches but leave the tank vulnerable. I do have a factory skid plate but I don't think it would hold up to some of the hits the receiver has taken over the years.

Show me some pics of what you have done.

 

[AKbigsub]

24 views and no responses

 

[BGKYK5]

Sorry no info here, just related questions - but I am enjoying the pic of your rig on my new calander.

IIRC (and I am probly off by a couple gallons) there are two TBI fuel tanks; 25 and 30 gallons and the only difference in size is the height. So will swapping to the smaller one add a couple inches clearance to the tank? Also has anybody with a body lift tried raising the tank up a little to gain clearance?

 

[Blue85]

I have a tube coming down from the main bumper that adds some protection to the gas tank. It is angled towards the front of the truck at an angle that kind of matches the skid plate. For traveling in reverse, it should be quite effective. I have never had it hang up on anything wheeling.

This isn't the greatest picture, but you can see it:

 

[Blue85]

How about reinforcing the stock skid plate with tube?

 

[GMDUDE85]

nice looking bumper,did u buy that or build it looking for something like it.got any more pics

 

[vortec]

the stock skidplate is strong. i've got scratches all over it from minor contact, but one time, i really tested it. the ground gave out under my rear tires and i ended up with the skidplate on a stump. i landed pretty hard, but it held up great. the front tires dragged me the rest of the way and i was lucky that i didn't get hung up on my receiver. i've considered bolting a piece of metal between the hitch or bumper and the skidplate to fill the small gap between the hitch and skidplate. the PO managed to dent the tank through that little opening.

on a related note, the xfer case plate is a lot tougher than it looks, too. an upgrade there sould be nice, though, for size if nothing else.

 

[AKbigsub]

Thanks for the pic Blue!
Kepp 'em coming please.

 

[Slapperbar]

If you have the 40gal tank, that's a big plate.