I have an 04' EB 4x4 Expeditions that I am trying to install skid plates on. I have purchased the front and rear (gas tank) plates and the required hardware. I have the front plate mounted. The rear skid plates require removal of the gas tank straps and replacing them with new ones that have bolts welded on to mount the gas tank skid plate. I have installed the front gas tank strap and need to do the rear, but have run into a problem. The straps fit into a slot and then turn 90' to wrap around the tank. There is not enough room to do this with the tank in place and the driveshaft in place.

My question is... Do I remove the driveshaft, or drop the entire tank? Will the tank slide side to side enough to install the strap without doing either?

Thanks,
Jim

 

Sorry I can't answer your question, but I have a question for you.

Is your fuel tank skid-plate metal or plastic?

 

It is plastic. I assume it is the same setup as the NBX comes with???

 

Bend the strap 'till it's straight, then you can twist it and remove it.
You may have to pry the tank a little to get more clearance.

 

Thanks. I'll give it a try once I run the tank down to empty.

Thanks,
Jim

 

Sounds like it's the same.

The flimsy metal skid plates are bad enough, but I hate that Ford "protects" the fuel tank with an even less effective plastic cover.

 

Bending the bracket did not work. There is still not enough room. I would like to disconnect the rear u-joint from the differential. Anyone know what the torque spec are for these 4 bolts? Should I use threadlocker? Will I affect the balance of anything by disconnecting and reconnecting?