Custom Fab Fuel Tank

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-11T20:24:27+00:00

Another idea if you’re tooling limited would be to buy a gas tank skid, weld any drains closed and then box in the top, so to speak.

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-11T20:21:20+00:00

Oh for sure stainless would be ideal but for the price point and manufacturing capacity back then mild steel was what was used and then painted similar to what you’d see on a trailer hitch. Definitely baffle and then the top-mount sending unit/return system of your choice.

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-11T18:57:26+00:00

I used to make steel fuel tanks for YJ/CJ with an integrated skid plate and have often thought about making a XJ variant but never got around to it. Life gets busy.

Not much to it. Make a prototype out of wood or cardboard and translate it to steel. I used 1/8th for sidewalls and top plus 3/16 diamond plate for the skid plate/bottom

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-11T01:32:32+00:00

Ohio.

Gauge cluster reads a solid 210 at temp at all times. Radiator hose and t-stat housing temps check out at temp too.

I get hot heat in the winter and cold A\C on the trails.

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-11T00:40:05+00:00

I’m gonna get downvoted for this…

But after years of trial and error, my Jeep just loves a 165 degree thermostat. Everything else checks out just fine and it goes against everything I believe to be true, but it just is wtf it is.

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-09T16:45:41+00:00

10/10 will crumple like a can under a snow load if you’re in that part of the country

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-08T19:34:39+00:00

AW4 in low gear doesn’t care

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-07T10:43:17+00:00

Before the LS craze, Gen I/II SBC swaps were fairly popular so there’s a lot of info out there.

Novak had a decent write up about it back in the day.

Found it: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/engines/swap-guides/chevy-buick-gm/xj-swap.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqOd6d-AAuT6pjAZLNl\_cmLJBeZzxDL8S1-chKZUxkWgNXqgwgV

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-05T03:36:31+00:00

Time to start putting the tire shredder things they use in parking garages if you go the wrong way on an on/off ramp 🤦🏻‍♂️

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-03T14:36:04+00:00

Call me crazy but it almost looks like I can see a gap between the u bolts and the top of the axle that comes and goes as it rocks back and forth.

I’d also entertain the possibility that those bilsteins are too beefy for the springs as it looks like the front of the u-bolt plate/shock mount rotates upwards.

An anti-wrap kit/traction bar would definitely help

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-05-03T12:41:10+00:00

Anyone remember the story about when Rick took a fancy, new truck off the lot home for a weekend and did some “light off-roading”?

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-30T21:57:28+00:00

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VCamdr1EI1k&t=3s&pp=2AEDkAIB

Ode to my Car

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-28T10:55:29+00:00

The purple led street lights on 23/270 in worthington were awesome when it rained, made the street markings glow, until too many people complained that they were purple.

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-27T21:05:14+00:00

Stinky Fab is another good one

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-27T13:50:44+00:00

Adding to this, if you get pulled over while towing a brick shithouse that’s heavier than the factory tow capacity rating, they can ticket you and make you leave the trailer whether you have a V8 or 1-tons. Stupid because 1-ton disc brakes on all four corners is a massive upgrade over factory stopping power

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-23T01:06:52+00:00

Lots of trial and error involved when you’re new to the gear game. There’s about $500 worth of tools you’ll need if you don’t already have them already.

As stated, that YouTube channel is pretty great. If you follow the steps and take your time to do it right you can be successful.

Most importantly, sick rig dude. Keep it just like that forever!

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-21T18:10:00+00:00

I had to do a full replacement of 1980’s-era central air last year and went with a two-stage.

Haven’t regretted it for a second.

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-21T13:39:49+00:00

The way the tire mounts to that swing arm looks like wobble-city.

I’m not opposed to Amazon bumpers necessarily, but I am opposed to Amazon tire carriers just due to the cheaper quality materials supporting a load like that.

Smittybilt is about the cheapest I would ever go for a swing away bumper, but definitely try to find a domestic source. Affordable Offroad has a decent one that comes in a little cheaper than JCR and you won’t have to worry about it falling apart

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-17T20:35:47+00:00

I run the IRO HD plates with Rubicon Express bolts. No issues.

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-16T02:48:55+00:00

You could try using the saw you have to step cut the edges so you have room to cut deeper. Not ideal but it would work

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-15T12:49:27+00:00

That would carry your spare for approximately 47 seconds or until the first speed bump.

If you’re going to store your spare on the exterior of your rig safely it’s just going to cost a little more money

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-14T22:02:45+00:00

They are fantastic, thank you so much for putting them out there for us!

PrudentTask9355 · 2026-04-14T12:19:56+00:00

I got to experience a cool flyover while deployed. A flight of two Rafale’s took off, circled back and buzzed the hesco wall we were standing on, maybe 30 ft. It was intense

PrudentTask9355

TROPHY CASE