I have a 98 1500 2wd Laramie with 8 ft bed. 35 gal tank. Had to replace fuel pump recently, and the mech who did it said the rear strap was almost rusted thru. When we had it on list the strap was barely hanging on. My question is, it looked like there was a black rubber liner inside the strap between the plastic tank and the strap. ??? Normal or a shade tree fix?? I have new straps and they are plain metal not rubber. Also, one strap is longer than the other. Which is which?? it is 10 degrees here in Ohio, so I don't want to spend a whole lotta time on the ground outside. I am also changing the filler tube because it is rusted thru on the side. I have been told that this will throw codes and cause problems. Thanks in advance.

 

Yep, the rubber piece is an isolator, so the metal doesn't rub thru the plastic... tank.

Support the end on the tank, remove the strap that is ready to break, match it up to the right new one, transfer over the isolator, (or, just get some sheet rubber to put on there) and install the new one. Hitting the bolts with some PB Blaster a couple time before you actually start on it doesn't hurt either. (but, since it has been out recently, may be a non-issue.)

 

ok, thanks. time to go to home depot for rubber,

 

I've only ever seen the rear one go bad, easiest one to change, so I always just tossed the front one and saved myself the work of dropping the tank to change it.

 

When I purchased my truck, the rear fuel tank straps was broken and the front strap was rusting out, too. The fuel tank was being held up in the rear by a tie-down strap. I ordered two new straps from the Dodge dealer and fixed that issue quickly.

 

I got mine from Advance Auto, I think it was 50 bucks for the pair.

 

I made one out of a random sheet of tin I found on my garage.

 

I live in CA and never have to worry about anything rusting on my rig....

 

Wish I didn't have to worry about rust! I own my truck and a car, and the bottom of my car is so bad that the carpet gets wet from the underside when it rains...

 

OK, got the rear changed yesterday, also the filler tube kit. The secondary tube broke clean off when I changed it. Ended up just backing trk up a set of ramps. I am glad I did it, cause it is colder today and we got some snow, and it is due to get colder and more snow. Filled up the tank and feel better about having 35 gals, plus the jerry cans in the back. Thanks everyone, a very good site for shade tree mechs.