OEM sub tank captive nuts

[Jon Wildsmith]

I recently installed an OEM sub tank on my uk spec 80. I thought I'd post my solution to mounting the tank as Uk spec 80's don't have the necessary captive nuts pre-installed for the sub tank straps. There are holes in the right place in the body box section just above the back axle, but no captive nuts. Access here, especially on the drivers side, is very tight. I looked at using nutserts as others have done, but decided to go with opening up the holes already present to the side of where the captive nuts are, large enough to slip some captive nut plates in:

I did something similar for the rear mounting points but didn't need the little manipulation bars on those.

I make a little helper when making captive nuts plates, to make sure the nuts are centred on the hole:

 

[felix2566]

Nice job, like the idea of the little helper arm for the nut plate.
How much extra fuel does the sub tank give you?
I have a dual filler neck in stock if I decided to go this route

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

The OEM tank I have is 45 litres. Enough to extend range a bit without hanging down at all.

 

[felix2566]

Yes, that's what I'm not so keen about is the ones that hang down loads at the back, look like they are asking for trouble.
Plus a load of weight where it's really not needed all behind the axle.

 

[stumog]

Its really handy to have that 45l i get about 240 miles out of it. Has been down to 180 while towing.

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

More like 150 to 180 miles on my very heavy 12 valve auto, but still enough extra range for my trips.

I've had the big tank on a previous 80 and might have gone that route again, but availability / timing was a factor and anyway realistically I'm not adventurous enough to need that extra range.

 

[felix2566]

Got any trips planned this year?

 

[LandcruisingFarmer]

I’ve had the big tank on a previous 80 and it always got pinged with stones or banging off something. The one I have now I put the little front runner one (62L) and gravity fed so no electrics to cock up. It’s always been fine, although prior to having a family I traveled quite light! In Algeria I took a Jerry can too just in case but I didn’t need it. I like the fact it’s tucked up well between the chassis rails.

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

62l sounds even better.

Just back from Sardinia, where fuel was plentiful so the extra tank wasn't essential, but it allowed longer runs between fuel stops. Not sure what the trips will be for the rest of this year.

 

[felix2566]

Never taken the LC to sardinia, but have been a few times on holiday, such a lovely place, Corsica is supposed to be awesome too.

 

[felix2566]

I’ve had the big tank on a previous 80 and it always got pinged with stones or banging off something. The one I have now I put the little front runner one (62L) and gravity fed so no electrics to cock up. It’s always been fine, although prior to having a family I traveled quite light! In Algeria I took a Jerry can too just in case but I didn’t need it. I like the fact it’s tucked up well between the chassis rails.

Do you have a link to that tank, had a look on their website and couldnt see it.

 

[LandcruisingFarmer]

Do you have a link to that tank, had a look on their website and couldnt see it.

Typically I can’t find a link either! It was back in 2007 so quite likely not made anymore. Closest I’ve found in size is one from these guys. It looks like it doesn’t hang down far. On the other hand there is a company in Oz that replaces the main tank with a 130 or 140L one. Then it’s in the centre of the chassis and all the weight too.

https://www.safari-equip.co.uk/shop/tanks/fuel-tanks/toyota-80-series-auxiliary-fuel-tank-stainless-steel/

 

[felix2566]

@BRE Fabrications LTD off this forum, and based in the UK will make (certainly used to offer) the long range tanks that sit in the middle of the chassis, replacing the original one.