Rear frame dilemma, gas tank relocation and bumper install

[thepunisher]

I am moving the gas tank to the rear frame on my truck, and need to install a bumper and the brackets (truck didn't have any). I think I have some problems though. The gas tank kit is suppose to arrive today from Brothers, very excited!

I am assuming the rear cross member should be straight? Should I have a body shop pull it straight or just build a new one?

There is a homemade hitch on the truck and that bar that runs from the hitch to the cross member is welded into place. Is the hitch bolted to the location that the brackets for the bumper need to go?

Is the bracket for the rear brakes going to be in the way for the gas tank? I'm redoing the brake lines so moving it is no problem.

[Jobe72]

Looks like the bumper mounts were cut and the hitch welded to it.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by thepunisher

I am moving the gas tank to the rear frame on my truck, and need to install a bumper and the brackets (truck didn't have any). I think I have some problems though. The gas tank kit is suppose to arrive today from Brothers, very excited!

I am assuming the rear cross member should be straight? Should I have a body shop pull it straight or just build a new one?

There is a homemade hitch on the truck and that bar that runs from the hitch to the cross member is welded into place. Is the hitch bolted to the location that the brackets for the bumper need to go?

Is the bracket for the rear brakes going to be in the way for the gas tank? I'm redoing the brake lines so moving it is no problem.

This is how an early classics tank goes in. Yes, I know the brothers tank is different but, you can see how the rear crossmember should look. Early classics sells this one to replace a missing or cut up stock unit. The mounting holes are already in your frame. Behind it are the holes for mounting the bumper brackets shown in the second photo. You need to remove that old hitch and replace the rear crossmember with one like the early classics one to strengthen the rear frame and form the bed support under the tailgate.

[Beuford]

I knocked out the rivets and slid my rear cross member back. Then bolted and welded in place. I put a 31 gal burb tank in it. If your going to move any cross members make sure you leave that hitch in place to hold the frame at the proper width. If you don't you'll have trouble getting the bumper brackets to line up.
Bob

[thepunisher]

Awesome, thanks for the responses and pictures. This will make the work a lot easier with the photos as reference. I'll post some pictures when the work is done.