Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DBLSPRT68 · 05-02-2012, 08:40 AM

Hey all, my 85 extended cab is a factory lwb 16 gallon lh only truck. I don't like that, having previously owned an 83 with dual 20 gallon tanks! I would like to "upsize and upgrade" my tanks. Since the height and width of the tanks are the same, only the length is the main difference. Looks like the straps are the same, but does anyone know if the brackets are the same? I'm planning to get all the needed parts for the swap at the junkyard "except", new tanks and sending units. Let me know if anyone has done this. David

xrcr · 05-02-2012, 08:47 AM

I Know that you cannot do the reverse on a 76 3/4 2wd without drilling holes in the frame. However I was told some chassis have holes for both setups.
I did use the front bracket and strap from the 76. However the rear off an 83 worked.
Not sure if this will help

**old Rusty C10** · 05-02-2012, 09:12 AM

in the newer models there are holes for both 16 and 20 gallon tanks on the frame.. the brackets are the same but the straps im not sure of. the good news is the straps are available at advanced auto parts for about $20. It should be a direct bolt on.

trout · 05-02-2012, 09:42 AM

yea when i got my 84 frame it camr with 2 16 gallons from the factory but some on took one off and i am putting 2 20s on it and every things the same sept the back braket has diffrent holes and there already in the frame

DBLSPRT68 · 05-02-2012, 11:12 AM

Thanks guy's for the replies. I was thinking the holes were in the frame, there are holes everywhere. I thought it would work, just wanted to run it by ya'll and see if anyone has done it before. David

**old Rusty C10** · 05-02-2012, 07:58 PM

Its been over a year since i did this to my truck.... my mind isnt as good as it used to be.... i think to convert 16 to 20 gallon tanks you switch around the brackets... but you definately dont need to change out anything except the strap parts and the tanks itself.. the brackets will work that i know for sure and on the 81-87 you already have the holes there

1977K10 · 05-16-2012, 01:10 AM

I am getting ready to upgrade my 16-Gals to 20-Gals by the end of the summer

05-02-2012, 08:40 AM	#1
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? Hey all, my 85 extended cab is a factory lwb 16 gallon lh only truck. I don't like that, having previously owned an 83 with dual 20 gallon tanks! I would like to "upsize and upgrade" my tanks. Since the height and width of the tanks are the same, only the length is the main difference. Looks like the straps are the same, but does anyone know if the brackets are the same? I'm planning to get all the needed parts for the swap at the junkyard "except", new tanks and sending units. Let me know if anyone has done this. David __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

05-02-2012, 08:47 AM	#2
xrcr Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Foristell, MO Posts: 418	Re: Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? I Know that you cannot do the reverse on a 76 3/4 2wd without drilling holes in the frame. However I was told some chassis have holes for both setups. I did use the front bracket and strap from the 76. However the rear off an 83 worked. Not sure if this will help

05-02-2012, 09:12 AM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? in the newer models there are holes for both 16 and 20 gallon tanks on the frame.. the brackets are the same but the straps im not sure of. the good news is the straps are available at advanced auto parts for about $20. It should be a direct bolt on. __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-02-2012, 09:42 AM	#4
trout Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: lexington, SC Posts: 1,276	Re: Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? yea when i got my 84 frame it camr with 2 16 gallons from the factory but some on took one off and i am putting 2 20s on it and every things the same sept the back braket has diffrent holes and there already in the frame __________________ Edited by staff

05-02-2012, 11:12 AM	#5
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? Thanks guy's for the replies. I was thinking the holes were in the frame, there are holes everywhere. I thought it would work, just wanted to run it by ya'll and see if anyone has done it before. David __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

05-02-2012, 07:58 PM	#6
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? Its been over a year since i did this to my truck.... my mind isnt as good as it used to be.... i think to convert 16 to 20 gallon tanks you switch around the brackets... but you definately dont need to change out anything except the strap parts and the tanks itself.. the brackets will work that i know for sure and on the 81-87 you already have the holes there __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-16-2012, 01:10 AM	#7
1977K10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 109	Re: Anybody ever "upsize" their saddle tanks? I am getting ready to upgrade my 16-Gals to 20-Gals by the end of the summer



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