Saw a Gen 2 setting on the side of the freeway recently with one end of the gas tank on the ground. Reminded me of when one of the straps rusted on my '95. Fortunately the tank had only sagged a little bit. I didn't have time to fab a new strap & there are no salvage yards close by, so I made a temporary patch which is still in place 3 years later.....Just thought I'd mention the issue to remind you all to take a look at your straps from time to time so you avoid getting stranded.

 

When the rear strap on my 96 broke, I went to the parts store, and they actually had them on the shelf....... That was not confidence inspiring. Think they were like 50 bucks for the pair.

 

I surprisingly never had a strap break on me. I always painted everything in the summer though and recently started using Fluid Film

 

Get the repos powder coated it will last the life of the truck.

 

when i bought my 2000 a month ago. the first thing i did was put new gas tank straps on.
i drove it 12 miles home and to work 8 miles away and 1 broke already.. plugged in the induction heater on the rusty bolts to heat them up, put a jack under the tank and replaced the straps. i think i did the job in 20 min.

 

When I purchased my truck, the rear gas tank strap was broken and the prior owner replaced the broken strap with a ratchet strap. Needless to say, i replaced it with a new strap and coated it, so that it wouldn't rust out prematurely.

 

NewEra performance makes stainless steel replacement straps for 1st gens. Not sure if he is making them for 2nd, but they are nice pieces.