Ramcharger Tank into 78 D100 Utiline

[JDVanWesten]

Here was my process of installing a ramcharger tank into my 1978 D100 Utiline. Yes, I'm sure this isn't how you would do it, but this is how I've done it.
1. Moved the furthest back crossmember to the back of the frame. Had to grind off rivets and move to the rear. We bolted it on through holes that were there already. Don't know if we will run into trouble when mounting bumper yet.

2. Held the tank up into place with jackstands to get measurements of where to put the front brace.

3. Had a piece of 36 3/4" angle iron cut and bolted in front of where the tank would go. Yes this could be welded, but bolting it in was easier.

4. Lined the tank up again to drill holes for the straps. Marked and drilled holes on the angle iron. On the rear crossmember we used 1 of the holes that was already there to use on the strap, and then drilled another for the other side.

5. Used old ratchet straps under the straps and where the tank contacts the metal. On the angle iron, we are planning on adding more padding before we put the bed on. (Picture of straps I bought included. If I could do it again, I'd buy an inch or 2 shorter. I'm pretty bottomed out on the strap bolts)

6. For the utiline, we cut a slot out of the metal support part of the bed that runs across in front of the tank. I don't know what would need done for a regular bed.
7. We have clearance for the sending unit and will be running line to connect to the factory lines behind the cab.

If you have any questions, I'll be sure to answer to my best knowledge.

 

[captainchrysler]

I have added Ramcharger tanks to a few different pickups over the years. I take the factory cross members from the RC too. (I have a couple 'kits' waiting for the next projects). I have then added a second gas door to make it look factory. That really confuses Mopar people that know 80's trucks. If you're lucky and have a 79 or 80 box with the dual tank option then there's no cutting and welding needed.

 

[JDVanWesten]

That's what I would do if I had a normal bed, but with a utiline, I'm going to make something that comes through the wood floor.

 

[mopar56]

Interesting article but I gotta ask....why? What is the benefit to moving to thr rear?

 

[JDVanWesten]

Interesting article but I gotta ask....why? What is the benefit to moving to thr rear?

Usual tank that I had was cracked and not repairable. When I bought the truck, this tank was sitting in the bed. Finding a tank that works and isn't hundreds of dollars is rare in my area. This cost the price of angle iron and straps.

 

[mopar56]

Ok, I see, damn, I could have pulled a good spare from a unit in the local pick n pull, never even gave it a thought, that poor old sb truck got picked clean before final crush. Thankfully mine is in good order, glad your project worked out and good to know there is another option, not that Ramcharger tanks are more abundant.

 

[JDVanWesten]

It's just what I had on hand and know that others had done it. And yes, gives another option for parts that are already scarce!

 

[Basketcase]

nice work!