So I am debating cutting off my rocker panels and doing some skis out of square tubing and was wondering if this can be done while keeping my much appreciated auxiliary fuel tank thanks in advance, any suggestions are appreciated.

Been a long, long time since I have had an Aux tank. How does it attach? I would think if you retained that, you could. But you better figure out a way to protect it from the rocks!

I looked at doing this before I tore out my aux tank for other reasons (planning an EFI updgrade, didn't want to mess around with multiple fuel pumps). It can be done. You always have the option of not tying the rail into the frame, although there are mixed reports regarding long term durability. If I remember correctly, you can also run tube to the frame in front of and behind the tank. How hard do you wheel your rig?

I've seen some pics of it done, but of you're cutting the rockers to gain clearance it's pointless as it hangs almost to the bottom of the rocker, I'd recommend jus cutting them and going to a bigger rear tank, this is my plan, but I'm also going the raise the bed floor over the tank so I can tuck that 23 gallon beast up higher for ground clearance

Booger rockers are cut off with the stock aux tank. He doesnt have rock sliders on it but he did bend up a steel plate that attaches to the stock skid plate to protect the side that is outer facing. I can get some pics this weekend.

Thanks for the input... clearance would be nice but really I wanted something sturdy to land on like the 6x2 steel rocker protection I see every once and a while. We don't wheel real hard now but we are looking to change that. We were hoping to do the 23 gal rear and the 12 gal aux tank as we are moving to Alaska in a couple years and wanted to be less limited on range with our current MPGs. Id like to see Boogers set up for some reference, may just go with BC's 1/4 " skis and hope they last longer than the stock rockers rust wise. Thanks again as always.

D

I never did figure out my mpg's but with EFI and the 23 gal tank, but I was able to wheel for three days straight in TX on numerous occasions. Some of those trip involved an 1/8th mile sand drag with a handfull of runs down the track. I always had extra fuel, but never felt as if I needed to use it. I did get low enough one time that all the fuel was in the back of the tank when I was climbing a very steep hill, but I had forgotten to fill up the tank prior to the trip.

Have you checked out www.alaska4x4network.com? I signed up with those guys a few years ago when I though the Military was sending us up there. What part are you headed to?

Short answer is yes.

I cut my rockers off 13 years ago and welded 1/4 inch 2x6 steel tubes to the body. Although my stock aux tank is about 2 inches lower then the steel 2x6 after 13 years I have never hit or damaged the aux tank. Most of the hits come as bottom outer side hits on the edge or when I "ski" on the bottom on a rock etc the six to seven inches the aux tank sits back seems to be fine when the front tire come down off a rock or whatever obstacle. Its that or I have had 13 years of luck missing the aux tank so far (knock on wood).

Greg

Thanks GB, I figure I'll do it and see what kind of room I have before adding a bigger Aux tank. I know the rocker panels are rust magnets (or at least on both of by Broncos) and I really wanted to remedy the issue for good.

When I still had my Aux tank I also considered fabricating a rocker out of 1/4" strips. You could also use 3x6 tube and cut out a section to make it sort of triangular. This would give the tank some protection and still allow decent clearance.

If I could do it over again I would of left more "meat" on the backside of the rocker that is up against the aux tank and instead of having the 2x6 flat parallel to the ground I would make it angled. So basiclly the aux tank would not be lower than the inner side and the outerside would still be just under the door. However when I cut and did mine that thought did not cross my mind and once cut you can't put it back so mine is parallel.