replaced fuel tank in my 1976

[88Jimmy4x4]

I remembered you posting that yours didnt fit during all this and when I first tried mine they didnt fit either. However, upon looking at my factory gas tank I noticed the flange around tank was bent down at bracket area. I also noticed the new tanks flange was not bent down so I took some channellocks and bent it down, then bent it approx 90 degrees with a rubber mallet. Once matching the new tank flange to the old tank flange shape the factory straps/bracket fit perfectly, in fact I had to use a deep socket on nut I had so much threads.

Another tip......when removing factory bracket/strap assembly....dont bend strap and remove assembly from bottom.....just remove stud thru bracket and slide to left and/or to the right thus retaining that straps shape, if you notice mine look wet and thats from liquid wrench. I did this and had no issues whatsoever, went back together like it should and is nice and tight.