Noob with a K20 Burb

[Mojave K20]

Hey! Greetings from the heart of the Mojave.
Just signed up here. I have owned my '85 K20 Suburban since 94. Pretty much bone stock. It's a 4 speed manual, 4:10's, and a 350. I personally put 245,000 on the truck since I have had it. Finally have the cash to do a total rehab. A week ago today, I got the truck back from the shop after having a Goodwrench 350 installed since the original engine was just too tired. New front diff as well, bent to hell since I went into a ditch at 50mph in a sand storm. Next project is to replace the 40 gallon fuel tank since it has a major dent and cuts my fuel capacity. I am pretty sure I should be able to replace the tank myself. Any thoughts? I am also wondering if anyone knows if there is a tank shield or skid plate available for this vintage truck. The roads out here are very rocky and I want to protect this new tank.
After the tank, looking to rebuild the tranny and rear diff.

[Eyegore]

Welcome from Phoenix, just souteast of you. I owned a 86 k10 sub, loved it.
As for your tank protection, not sure it a plate is offered or not, but I would suggest just fabricating one if you cannot find one or check to see if one from a k5 blazer would work.

[Mojave K20]

Appreciate the fabricating one. I have Googled to the end of the internet and have found nothing. I did my biweekly Vegas grocery run today with the new engine 320 miles round trip. Oil pressure at 55-60 with 10w30 (where it had been at 30 with 20w50). Temp gauge at 195-210 and it was over 110 air temp today. Really liking the not worrying about making it to town and back thing. Picked up some more Krylon for the custom flat tan in a can paint job too.

[kevinr1970]

If nothing else look for a 4x4 shop in your area; preferable a "custom" shop.
They can do just about anything and what you are looking for isn't a very difficult thing for a shop like that. Just a big piece of metal with some bends.

[rcbildr]

IIRC that is an option, my 85 Burb has one....I will double check that tomorrow.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Sounds like a sweet sub man. You just can't beat and old chevy or gmc theres nothing like it. I am not sure about the plate for the gas tank but if there is not one I would just talk to a 4x4 shop or a welder and get one made up if you still want it.

[Mojave K20]

Ordered a tach, Rancho shocks+steering stabilizer, K&N, and a set of Hella Xenon blue head lights from Summit today. Fun fun fun. The Kustom by Krylon flat khaki paint job is coming along nicely too. Matches the desert just fine. Gotta love the new 350, like a whole nother world now. Gonna have a hard time keeping it stock, but I just gotta...
Edit: Just got through crawling around underneath the truck. Looks like the original equipment dual exhaust should be replaced soon. Probably go with Flowmasters and all new pipes. I won't have to change anything with timing if it is a stock set up will I?

[Jonboy]

You shouldn't have to change anything with thte exhaust. I am also pretty sure that the gas tank shield was an option, it seems like our '83 Sub had one. It was a diesel, I doubt that made much difference though. Good luck with your project.

[Mojave K20]

...gonna search salvage yards in Vegas ASAP

[1976K5CHALET]

A note or two on f tank skid plates....
Burbs had 31 g and 40 g tanks....the wifes old 90 K20 being harvested has the 40 g tank and skid. 73-75 K5 skids are better than 76-91 skids as they are side plated. I have destroyed a few
fuel tanks in my 79 K5 in moab due to the cheesey skid design...
So i am going to try and get the 40 g tank in my 79 k5....and then mod the skid by side plating the skid and adding tangle gussets at all 6 mounting arms for durability.

DW