You can, but, the tank is so easy to R&R that I can't justify ruining a tub to do it.

 

x2...why would to ruin the tub? :facepalm: kinda like using a shotgun as a fly swatter.

 

6 nuts ,filler neck, ground strap , One electrical and Fuel lines she'll come right out .

I've been using the 300 blackout for the flys

 

Another good use for the black out lol!

 

Like said above, dropping the tank is easy. The likelyhood of need to do the work you listed is NOT worth the effort to lower the tank, cut a hole, fab up a panel you can close (and a weak point in the tub if you put items there) then put everything back.

 

Oh okay haven't dropped mine yet so didn't know how easy it was

 

I wouldn't call dropping the tank "easy" granted yes its 7 carriage bolts, 8 screws on the for the filler neck, gas line, electrical plug, and breather hose... BUT man that can be heavy and awkward to deal with, especially if you have gas in the tank when you need to drop it.

There is a support bar in the way of making a direct access point but I have been contemplating a way to add a small re-enforced access panel to behind that in order to get to the pump / pressure regulator. Mine has gone out twice since owning the jeep and although its not a "terrible" job, its no fun. Plus being able to deal with that on the trails would be nice, a clogged fuel filter 400 miles from home is not a good time.

 

That's smart it would def be great for trail fixes

 

if I can drop a full tank by myself and reinstall , u don't need an acess panel

 

Its not that it can't be done or that its even overly hard, It's just not pleasant.. I did it twice last weekend by myself (dont ask). The second time only took me about an hour from parking to cleaning up and I still had half a tank of gas.

My main thought is for ease of access to the fuel pump and pressure regulator for regular maint or trail abuse. I had popped the ring off my tank bottoming out on some rocks out on the trail (presumably, my skid caused issues it may have been loose for months in all honesty) I ended up getting mud and water in the tank which made it difficult to get home. If I had an access panel I could have dealt with it at camp and just been on my way.

There is a support beam in the tub directly above the tank, It would make a great spot to weld on a hinge and it would help keep the access panel rigid, weld a lip around the rest of the spot you cut out and add a locking pin and your good to go. Im going to try and talk a welder buddy of mine into it. If it works out and is as easy as I hope I'll put up some dimensions and pics.

 

Awesome thanks

 

so this was like... forever and a half ago but... My pressure regulator went out and its snowing so....

The hole is between the two supports leaving plenty of material for structure and support, I have full access to the fuel pressure regulator, pump, hoses, everything. As a test I pulled my fuel pump out last night cleaned it up replaced the strainers and regulator and put it back in. Id say all in all it takes about 15 min now.

 

I have to say that you cover is exceptional. If I can make a cover that nice, I would cut the tub also.

Things such as rear shock jobs can be much easier if cutting the tub is one of the options.

 

Not a bad idea if you have repeated problems in the same area. Looks much cleaner than another one I've seen first-hand:

One of the awesome diesel mechanics where I used to work lived in his Ram van in the shop parking lot. His fuel pump went out, so he decided to do something similar. Keep in mind, he had access to a full shop and all of the tools in it. He used a hammer and chisel to cut his floor, I don't remember what he used to cover it when he was done, but I do remember the van catching fire not long after he did it. And this was the guy who was in charge of maintaining a fleet of tractor-trailers. How safe do you think I felt driving one of these trucks down the interstate?

 

its still not painted and "finished" I just pulled the plate back off and am going to put a quick layer of paint on it before I drive it again. Heres the hole

The notch on the bottom wasnt 100% necessary, I was actually able to get everything in and out without that there, but it was kind of a pain to get the top of the fuel pump assemply manipulated around so we notched it out a little bit more after the fact.

 

I think its a great idea. We all don't live where its nice and warm or dry most of the time. If the pump quits when maybe the tank is sitting on something so it could not be dropped or in snow an access hole would be a great option. Hell I had to make one just for access a body mount nut that rusted and broke loose and just spun with the bolt. I have dropped my tank a few times and with the old Kilby skid it was not quick and easy not to mention those rusted little bolts and that was in my garage .

 

I've seen them do the same thing on the old full size Broncos. Those trucks are 20-30 years old now and have the same rusty gas tank bolts as our jeeps do. They can use a patch cut out of an old ford truck bed so there is plenty of availability on repair parts.

 

That was exactly what came to mind the first time I had to drop the tank on the TJ. The first tank I ever had to drop was on my 88 bronco way back when . I think their was over a dozen rusted bolts connected to them rotten rusted clips that have the nuts attached to them . Some came out , some twisted apart and required vice grips and one I just could not get to so that became a hinge. That was one miserable experience . If I had to do again I would of cut a section out of an F-150 bed to make an access door out of.