How to remove the rear gas tank strap

[C-ya]

Driving back to work today from lunch and I hear this awful racket. Sounds like the exhaust broke and was dragging/digging in. Stopped as quickly as I could from 50 mph and pulled to the side of the road. Of course, the grass was a foot tall. I couldn't see any exhaust issues, so I looked at everything else but didn't see anything obvious. I get in and pull forward a bit and hear it again. Get out and look, and I noticed something at the rear of the gas tank. The rear strap had broken and it was rubbing against the rear U-joint/driveshaft.

Luckily I had a ratchet strap so I got the tank somewhat secured and headed on in to work. When I got home, I backed it onto a set of ramps and was able to evaluate it a bit more. I was able to get the outboard side off - the bolt actually released and the nut is still secure. I just can't maneuver the inboard piece that fits into the slot enough to get it out. It shouldn't be too hard, but maybe the rust has shrunk the opening and swollen the tab.

Any ideas on how to get it out since I also have to get the new one in?

You can see the shiny ring on the driveshaft. I'm thinking I'll pop the driveshaft off the rear diff and I should have plenty of room.

I have doubled the ratchet strap so I'm not worried about it coming loose or breaking before I get the new steel strap. I have a little less than half a tank and I plan on keeping it low until I fix it. I almost filled it up at lunch as gas prices were going up today. I'm glad I didn't!

 

[hockeyman]

Huh...I actually like the idea of the ratchet strap. I'd loosen it to slide the metal ratchet section up on the side of the tank, re-tighten, deem it repaired and have a beer.

 

[mrrsm]

Some Replacements...

Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT Fuel Tank Strap - Best Fuel Tank Strap Parts for Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT - Price $59.99+

Order Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT Fuel Tank Strap online today. Free Same Day Store Pickup. Check out free battery charging and engine diagnostic testing while you are in store.

www.autozone.com

 

[Beacon]

Sorry about your luck, but thank you for posting this. It is a good reminder of a part to put some paint on this summer when i get around to undercoating.

 

[C-ya]

Some Replacements...

Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT Fuel Tank Strap - Best Fuel Tank Strap Parts for Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT - Price $59.99+

Order Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT Fuel Tank Strap online today. Free Same Day Store Pickup. Check out free battery charging and engine diagnostic testing while you are in store.

www.autozone.com

Didn't think to check AZ. I found a set from an online GM parts dealer. $58 delivered.

ETA: Those don't fit my truck. Glad I was able to find the others.
EETA (edited the edit to add): They fit a 6 cylinder 113 inch wheelbase. Shouldn't the tank straps be the same? Would that have changed between 6 and 8 cylinder engines? Just for future reference for other users that see this.

 

[C-ya]

OK, the place I ordered the tank straps from discovered what everyone else already knew - the rear strap is discontinued. I guess I'll be checking the ones from Auto Zone.

From the above post in case folks don't see it since it is an old post:
AZ website says they fit a 6 cylinder 113 inch wheelbase. Shouldn't the tank straps be the same? Would that have changed between 6 and 8 cylinder engines? It also says 22 gal tank on the Spectra model. The Dormans don't say a tank size.

 

[Mooseman]

They should be the same between the two. In fact, it's the same pump. Differences are between the SWB and EXT.

I replaced one on my Saab that was bent. They were too expensive for my liking so got a good used one at the u-pull.

 

[C-ya]

They should be the same between the two. In fact, it's the same pump. Differences are between the SWB and EXT.

I replaced one on my Saab that was bent. They were too expensive for my liking so got a good used one at the u-pull.

That's what I was thinking - why would there be two different EXT tanks? I'll get the ones from AZ and see what happens. The Spectra straps have a two year warranty, which is how much longer I want to get out of the old girl - if she holds together that long!

 

[C-ya]

Painted the new straps Thursday and got the rear one replaced yesterday. Decided the front is still intact enough to not worry with it at the moment. Removing the driveshaft from the yoke was the ticket to getting the old one out and the new one in.

Here is what the old strap looked like alongside the new one. The new one seems to be a bit thinner, probably why it only has a 2 year warranty.

Not a lot to work with, for sure.