Long range tank installed.

[-Scott-]

Well, I've traded most of the clearance gained from 5 inches of lift for a long range fuel tank.

I now have a Brown-Davis custom long range tank, built taller to accommodate the 2" body lift. It holds 120 litres, although I've yet to find out how much is usable - the first 20l, out of a jerry can, registered on the fuel gauge, so I'm hoping at least 110l will be usable.

I was supplied without instructions, so I had to guess where the fittings were supposed to go, and one elbow fitting simply would not fit - adjacent fittings wouldn't let it turn. I made an emergency dash to ENZED late yesterday to obtain the correct fitting, which (of course) is the only one which leaks.

The tank uses the stock sender, which doesn't have enough travel to cover the full height of the tank, so the tank will indicate full for a long time. I might be able to modify the sender to make it work properly, but I didn't have the facilities available so I'll run with it for a while to see if it bothers me.

I can't decide if it was worth getting the extra 2" added - after some back and forth on quotes, a "price increase" and "freight" I'm not sure how much extra I paid for it. The standard long range tank at 105l would be 40% over the factory capacity, and what I have is 60% extra. But if I consider the body lift and extra 2" of tank only got me an additional 15 litres, it's a lot of work for less than a jerry can.

I hope to get some pics next week - cause I know you're all hanging out for 'em!

Cheers,

Scott

[panyajero]

hey.

just read something about you loosing 5inches of lift... how did you achive the 5 inch lift in the first place. Suspension or body?? Have it on good advice more than a 2 inch suspension lift was impossible - without changing to IFS.... IE Franks creation.

[South]

Good to see you finally got the tank completed and fitted. The benefits outway the minor disadvantages...

panyajero: I think you meant without changing to SAS, we already have IFS My assumption on the 5" is the 2" body lift, with a 2" suspension lift which is capped off with a 31+" tyre. Thus giving you a total of 5" or more, depending on tyres used...

[-Scott-]

Yep, South is correct. I was referring to the total lift for bull bar/sills/bumper, which is 2" suspension, 2" body lift and 1" from 33" tyres (could argue 1.5" from the tyres ) And I haven't lost the lift but I have lost some of the ground clearance I gained.

My home measurement of roof height is 1940mm, which (from memory) is 135mm above the factory spec - a bit over 5". But I haven't measured again with the new tank full - I noticed while we were out yesterday that the back is now the same height as the front, without much stuff in the back...

But at least it survived it's first offroad trip without a ding. I've gotta try harder next time.

Cheers,

Scott

[Bitsamissin]

How are the gears going ??
How was the service from Brown Davis ??
I want to get a custom tank made up to utilize the 2" space after the body lift. I think they do a 147ltr for the lwb I don't need that much maybe 120ltr and made out of a 3mm base to resist dings so the factory bashplate can be chucked.

[-Scott-]

Hi Frank

The gears are great - just don't get to use them as often as I'd like. The Paj idles down hills real nice now, even with the 33's. Haven't found a hill which needs brakes yet, (other than dropping over steps.)

Brown-Davis' service wasn't bad - about 4 weeks from order to delivery, including a "redesign of the fuel pick-up area" because of reported problems. They were supposed to put a double skin on the bottom, but if they've done that I can't see the evidence. I had a quick think about trying to measure it, but short of drilling a hole through I couldn't come up with an easy way to do it. I suppose I'll find out if I hole it!

I had a look inside, and there's not as many baffles as I expected - a central area for the fuel pickup (I'm a little disappointed - I think it could be better) and a baffle in each end.

I guess it does what I wanted, so I'd say give them a go. Any chance you could get in there and talk to them about your plans? You're a little closer than I am...

Good luck,

Scott

[Bitsamissin]

Yeah I spoke to them today.
A standard long range replacement is 145ltr and $1017 fitted and hangs down 50mm lower than standard.
So with the body lift it would have the same clearance.
He said he could do a double wall for the base making it 4mm thick and could make it a bit smaller to get extra clearance, this would cost a bit extra.
Would need the car for 3-4 days.
From what he said there's not much that can be done about the sender unit though (extending it).

[South]

Gee Wiz, $1017 is a bit rich! Our LRA 150L jobbie was $700'odd delivered to WA and installed at home. Give LRA a call and see what they can come up with, even if you buy the 140L tank for the 3L you'd probably save a lot of money...

[-Scott-]

Yeah I spoke to them today.
A standard long range replacement is 145ltr and $1017 fitted and hangs down 50mm lower than standard.
So with the body lift it would have the same clearance.
He said he could do a double wall for the base making it 4mm thick and could make it a bit smaller to get extra clearance, this would cost a bit extra.
Would need the car for 3-4 days.
From what he said there's not much that can be done about the sender unit though (extending it).

I saw some pics of a modified sender unit for a different tank. They cut the rod in the middle, added an extra bit to make it longer (brazed side by side at both ends, if you follow that...) then bent it to avoid hitting the bottom. But I don't know if this will work with the pick-up bowl.

Fitting is straight forward - the only problem I had was the one leaking fitting, which I should have put thread tape on from the start.

Cheers,

Scott

[Hekta]

Where's Brown Davis from ? Has anyone seen or got the Long Ranger tanks from Out of Town 4WD ? http://www.oot4wd.com.au