feedback needed gas tanks sending units

[AntiGov]

Getting ready to install two new tanks, sending units, pumps, selector valve on my 1990 crew tbi......just wondering if some makes are better than others ...or are all basically from same manufacturer ? ive checked napa, lmc ,and ebay...prices are all over the place....i am going to pull bed back to make it easier and i only want to do this once so any thoughts , opinions, much appreciated .....dont want to install any junk......thanks guys !!!!

[tucsonjwt]

I replaced my sending units with Spectra brand aftermarket ones for about $40 per unit. They cause the gas gauge needle to bounce when turning, stopping, accelerating. My previous OEM (Delco?) did not do that, but cost about $140 per unit.

[88Jimmy4x4]

I bought a NOS GM sending unit off ebay for $59, works great. The tank I bought is Spectra and made in Canada. I ordered it from advanceautoparts, used a $30 off coupon and got free shipping so shop around for best price if you order.
The tank installed fine, however I had to bend the seam/flange down where the straps/brackets are (original was bent down at those spots too.

[BONUSCAB]

I put two loaded sending units in my rig from Advance Auto Parts, I forget the price. I order 75% of my parts from them, online. The prices can't be beat, and no knuckle head behind the counter telling me a 1990 Chevy 4x4 doesn't have front u-joints. And I just ordered two new fuel tanks from rockauto.com, $127 for TWO tanks, to my door. They are made in ti-wan, but don't look any better or worse than the Spectra tanks I've used in the past in these trucks. They will be getting installed next week, so I'm unsure of fitment yet.

[mgchevyparts]

Most of the time the Spectra brand is a electro plated tank, probably zinc. The less expensive ones are usually painted. The Spectra will last longer.

[88Jimmy4x4]

I installed mine with the bed on, its very simple. Only tip I can give you is when installing the brackets on the new tank leave them loose because you will need to position the brackets to line up the bolt holes. The strap stud/nut sticks thru the frame so you can tighten later....but dont over tighten.


Heres some before and after of tank swap

[old Rusty C10]

I got mine through advanced and the first left side I put in was a headache as it failed the second one and the right one was ok... two years now no problems but the truck is a garage queen

[AntiGov]

thanks guys !!! anyone else with info please chime in .... for the tanks im leaning towards the spectra...should i paint these or leave them alone ?

so looks like with all the missing parts and hack job from previous owner/s i will need the following..

new tanks
new pumps
new sending units
new selector valve
new selector switch
new misc small pieces that go with above parts

looks like $500-$700 depending on source and brand.....

i was able to score two sets of rust free brackets and two good rock shields at the local yard for dirt cheap. and i think i have an extra filler hose and related parts for the missing side

[MalibuSSwagon]

I also got the Spectra brand tank and sender from Rockauto, local price for just the tank was around $200, rockauto price shipped was $80. There are very nice, in addition to being zinc plated they come coated with a waxy type substance, doesn't scratch off very easily. I coated the outside with bedliner for added protection.

I also bought a Spectra sender and the gas needle is not very accurate, bounces around alot. Altho the original sender was worse, I was just hoping for more accuracy than this.

[88Jimmy4x4]

I didnt coat mine since it was zinc coated just like the factory did it, but I have seen people that have

[KrazyRay]

Your best bet is to buy ac delco pumps because a lot of the aftermarket ones come with the short piece of fuel line inside the tank that will fail over a short period of time.

[AntiGov]

Originally Posted by KrazyRay

Your best bet is to buy ac delco pumps because a lot of the aftermarket ones come with the short piece of fuel line inside the tank that will fail over a short period of time.

thanks Ray.....my gut feeling was to spend the extra on the ac delco .....so with your advice i think i better keep looking around for a good deal on them , that way im not sick to my stomach 6 months down the road...

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by AntiGov

thanks Ray.....my gut feeling was to spend the extra on the ac delco .....so with your advice i think i better keep looking around for a good deal on them , that way im not sick to my stomach 6 months down the road...

try www.rockauto.com for best price on acdelco parts

[AntiGov]

Originally Posted by 88Jimmy4x4

try www.rockauto.com for best price on acdelco parts

thanks man....gonna check it out now.....

[motornut]

I put a spectra sender and tank in last year in the 79 jimmy,no issues or bounce,no coating
my 78 came spetra,stayed spectra,bounced all day
changed 78 cluster, idiots to Tach/gauges, big gas, to small and bounce went away
had to add a ground