Here we go again.

[RAT]

Forgot that it drops down in the back, oops

Yes it does. It's as deep as a stock tank, AND has baffling through out to prevent pump starvation. I would have to (and most likely will at some point) stand the Rat on the front bumper to starve the fuel pump.

[dirtman13]

32 gallons!!! :omg: Looks like some new springs for the rear are in order. I'm thinking 300/500? JK It came out really nice.

[RAT]

My UPS drive took off running when I told him I wanted to kiss him. He brought me all my stuff for my compressors and electrical stuff. I finally get to move on to and finish the Rat. Sadly it won't be ready for IDTT. Two years now that I will be Jeepless in Calico. Oh well...

[Jason]

Ahem...
If my memory serves me correctly, you had your Jeep last year.

[RAT]

Ahem...
If my memory serves me correctly, you had your Jeep last year.

Ok Mr. throat clearer guy... I didn't mean consecutively. Sheesh!

[RAT]

Now that I'm done screwin around on that rear bumper, I can get back to the Rat. One of the 150 items on the list is to install and wire new ARB switches, bitches...
I'm adding a second compressor switch and a winch switch. Plus replacing the old switches. They are getting long in the tooth.


20130414_183201 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Had to replace some old brake lines that came up short when I moved the shocks. New flexible SS hose from the main distribution block to the calipers.


20130414_183227 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130414_183215 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Another item. Find the missing fender!


20130414_183249 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

This will get all new shiny sheet metal this week

20130414_183259 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Then I have to re-route the fuel and evap lines to the rear of the new tank. Then when the fenders are done, re-install the tank and test her out.


20130414_183313 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

It's a beast fer sher. Makes the stock tank look puney

20130414_183327 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

[RAT]

The new air compressors are installed and switches and wiring complete. Still have to make the connections at the front bumper for the air reservoir.


20130416_160527 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

The big gauge next to the radiator is for comparison. I removed it after I knew the little gauge was accurate.

20130416_160503 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Cleaned this mess up with some corrugated wire loom. Fits in there nice.

20130416_150817 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

[RAT]

Finally I get some time to work on the Jeep. The gas tank is installed and looks pretty good. I have to get some 5/16" fuel line and some more paint to finish the install, then maybe, just maybe I will start the engine tonight.

Mmmm, clean sheet metal. Fender makins...

20130426_190631 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Bending it up

20130427_105846 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130427_112037 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Time to plug them holes

20130427_105856 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


First fitting

20130427_112049 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Second fit up

20130428_120731 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Final Fit up

20130428_120738 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Front view

20130428_120747 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Nice amount of room. A nice aluminum Skid plate is coming next.

20130428_120825 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Off to the parts store...

[RAT]

The new tank works like a charm. The cool part is the sump is the same depth as the stock tank so I get a full tank reading for a long time now. Engine fired right up so the fuel pump is happy. Now I just have to wait for the computer to cycle through the evap test and see if it throws a code. The new CPS seems to have the engine running smoother and idling at a slightly slower RPM than before. The new torque converter is quiet (thank you Chrysler) but the real test will be when I hit the road next week. I'm waiting for a few things to come from Brown. A smaller, flush fit filler neck to install in the side of the tub, and some switch covers for all the new switches I just installed.

[inVERt'D]

Now you're practically driving a tank! Yeah, I'm a riot. Bells are gonna go off every time you fill 'er up.

Those plates on your LCA brackets, are they droop limiters?

[RAT]

Fender wells are completed. Shock reservoir mounts are done (6 more on the way). Went with King Blue, why not?
Need to insulate the tank, install the flush mount filler neck, paint the inner fender wells and that project is done.

Used a whole can of undercoating in here

20130428_211045 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130428_210934 by MJR RAT, on Flickr


20130428_210844 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

Hopefully all my stuff gets here tomorrow. If so I'll be ready for a shake down next weekend.

[Tumbleweed13]

Very cool and creative ways to get what you want. Great job. I dig the house carpet floormats. Classy.

[RAT]

Very cool and creative ways to get what you want. Great job. I dig the house carpet floormats. Classy.

Hey! Not only house carpet, but 70's cut pile, AND I found it in a dumpster. I AM a class act!

[RAT]

Some parts I ordered will not be here this week as planned, but the majority of the work is done and I drove it up to the gas station to fill her up. I already had over 5 gallons in the tank, didn't fill it all the way up and it was $80.00. This is gonna be fun. Definitely gonna need to change the top springs on the rear shocks. Way too stiff. Might drive it up to BB this weekend for AAT.

Got some finish trim work to do but will wait till the fuel filler stuff comes in

20130502_151829 by MJR RAT, on Flickr

[RAT]

Very, nice tank, but it begets a question, with the pickup in the back and the fuel level say below a quarter tank would it not starve for fuel on a down hill? There is a reason why the stock pickup sits in the center of the tank. I made the same mistake on the fuel cell of my buggy

I saw this a while ago but forgot to respond. The Stock fuel pump/sending unit has a can around it that prevents scavenging. It holds quite a bit of gasoline too!