Blazer tank mounting question
 

I was wondering about using the flange on the Blazer tank to bolt directly to the bottom of the frame. I have the straps, but can't find the j-bolts. That, and I don't really like the looks of the straps. I have seen a couple of aluminum tanks done this way. Anyone ever seen a Blazer tank mounted this way??

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

i don't have a blazer tank out to look at but i don't think it would be a good idea

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

If I remember right, the flanges on the Blazer tank are about a 1/2 inch to short on each side to bolt it in. I may be wrong though.

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

The flange almost completely covers the bottom of the frame. I am wondering why it would not be a good idea, as there are several versions of aluminum tanks that mount that way. Frame flex should not be an issue at all. I am wondering more about the strength of the flange.

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

I bolted the tank to the frame. They bolt aluminum tanks to the frame so I don't see why you couldn't bolt a steel one??

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

If you look at the aluminum tanks the metal is a heck of a lot thicker than that of the blazer tank. The aluminum tanks are designed and built to be bolted to the frame. Blazer tanks were designed to be held in place with straps. In my opinion the flange is much too thin too support a large amount of weight. A full tank of gas (20 gallons) will weigh about 120 pounds. I'd buy some J-hooks and install it properly. If they didn't need to be installed with the straps the aftermarket companies wouldn't have supplied the straps or j-hooks with them. My $.02.

I mounted mine a little differently than others, and unless you poke your head under the truck, you can't really even tell it's there and my truck is at stock height (I took the first pic while laying on my side.

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

Thanks for the opinions guys! My only real objection to the straps is the looks of the straps. I am leaning towards fabricating a pair of "straps" from flat bar that bolt across the tank between frame rails. Then, I could also make a skid plate that would permanently attatch to the bottom of the straps

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

You could fabricate a nice smooth panel to cover the rear of the tank :cool:

Just make it removable in case you need to service the tank :D

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

That's kinda what I am thinking Joe. I've been sketching this out today.... I am thinking of making mounting "straps" that attach between the frame rails, side to side. Then , once the tank is in place, build a "box" all around the tank, using the straps as a means to attach the box. Then, it the tank ever needed removed, the tank, box and all will just drop straight down.

This was, I can cover the tank (paint the box body color??), and create a safety barrier all around it as well.....

Re: Blazer tank mounting question
 

Good idea. Initially I was thinking of a cover just over the rear of the tank.
But thinking about it, that would probably catch some air while you're driving...