There is a metal shield between the tank and the driveshaft area
. In short, have most of you replaced this shield, left it off, or what?
I figured it was for heat, but dont know. It may be there in the event the driveshaft broke, but I doubt it. Was thinking about leaving it off, or maybe putting a piece of fatmat on the side.
Thanks for your opinions.

 

Opinions are like butts, Everyone has one and they all stink.

I think you should leave it. That bit of sheet metal is probably just enough to prevent puncture or explosive tearing open of the tank if the drive shaft goes (more likely throws something in that direction). You might still get a puncture but it will slow the projectile down enough to limit damage. Fat mat wouldn't do that.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by onemore94dak

Opinions are like butts, Everyone has one and they all stink.

I think you should leave it. That bit of sheet metal is probably just enough to prevent puncture or explosive tearing open of the tank if the drive shaft goes (more likely throws something in that direction). You might still get a puncture but it will slow the projectile down enough to limit damage. Fat mat wouldn't do that.

The problem is, its pretty rusty. I have it all apart and im not sure there is enough left to put back in. As far as I can tell, there are no replacements made....

 

I looked in the 95 FSM. There is a heat shield on the inboard side of the tank. I would be hesitant to apply fat mat to the tank itself. You risk holding heat or cold in the tank even if you do just the one side. I would worry about it holding heat and how that might affect the fuel system.

 

So long as you don't have an exhaust pipe running down that side, you can leave it off, and not worry about it. That thin steel isn't gonna do squat if the driveshaft decides it wants to punch a hole in it. Wouldn't even slow it down significantly.

 

I sanded mine down and painted it as part of my restore. It does also offer a surface for the straps to rub against instead of directly on the tank.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertmee

I sanded mine down and painted it as part of my restore. It does also offer a surface for the straps to rub against instead of directly on the tank.

Yes, I feel sure it is for a reason. But the exhaust is on the other side of the driveshaft, If it was for protection from the straps rubbing, or impact, I would have thought it would go under the tank as well....
But I probably will do what you said, clean it up, paint it, and in my case patch it a little and reinstall. BTW I did order new straps.

Thanks to everyone for their opinions.

 

My 90 goes underneath and up one side...everywhere the strap contacts it. The only two surfaces it doesn't cover is by the frame on the driver's side and the bed. Maybe they changed later?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertmee

My 90 goes underneath and up one side...everywhere the strap contacts it. The only two surfaces it doesn't cover is by the frame on the driver's side and the bed. Maybe they changed later?

FWIW here is a picture of mine.

 

I see what you mean. I'd still try to clean and paint it but that's me. Looks like a good spot for Rustoleum rust stopper