'85 F-250 tank conversion?

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'85 F-250 tank conversion?

gbftats
Hello  everyone!

I recently purchase a 1985 f250 and found that both the tanks and senders were toast. Ive have a heck of a time trying to find fuel pumps/assemblies that fit the rear tank. Is there some type of conversion to make life a little easier? its a 19 gal. tank.

Thanks!
1985 Ford F250 Explorer package
460 v8 4x4
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
See, already I could give you bad info 'cause you didn't tell us about your truck.  You didn't say what engine and the fuel pumps are pretty specific to the engine in '86.

But, I'll tell you up front that this is an expensive area.  And running dual tanks makes it much more than doubly so.  I'd consider a Bronco 33 or 38 gallon rear tank and forget the midship tank.

Anyway, tell us about your truck, preferably via a signature so we do not have to ask again.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

kramttocs
Administrator
To further what Gary said -
It sounds like you may already have the sending units out. Having photos of those would be good as they would show us the connector as well as if electric pumps or not (your comment makes it sound like they are electric). Would also help in case a PO may have changed stuff already.
There were a number of different configs as well as changes to previous configs in the 85 and 86 years.
Scott
'Camano' 1986 F250 Supercab XLT Lariat 460/C6
'Chanute' 1980 F350 C&C 400/NP 435 - Gin Pole

But there ain't nothin' wrong with the radio
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

gbftats
This post was updated on .
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
I added the info to my signature, sorry! Does the Bronco tank conversion take much modification? What year bronco tank should I be looking for?
1985 Ford F250 Explorer package
460 v8 4x4
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

gbftats
In reply to this post by kramttocs
Here is the hanger
1985 Ford F250 Explorer package
460 v8 4x4
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

ArdWrknTrk
Administrator
In reply to this post by gbftats
You lose the spare tire and really should run the bash guard.
The Bronco tank is a little shorter fore & aft so a piece of angle if you don't want to move the crossmember.
Spectra makes a big tank for the trucks.

Are your senders functioning?
Retrofitting pumps is a lot cheaper than replacing the unit.
 Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

gbftats
The senders are not functioning. I'm leaning towards the bronco tank conversion. What year bronco tanks fit?
1985 Ford F250 Explorer package
460 v8 4x4
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
1980 through at least 86, if not later, fit.  You can see the fuel tank part numbers at Documentation/Fuel Systems/Fuel System Part #'s/Fuel Tanks.  But, as you'll see, in 1985 they went to a 4" opening in the tanks to be able to get the pump in, so you need one with the larger opening.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

kramttocs
Administrator
In reply to this post by gbftats
Is the switching unit working? If so, I'd keep both tanks even if you do go with the larger rear. With the 460 you can never carry too much gas.
Also, don't forget to consider your exhaust if you go with the larger rear tank.
I believe the front tank unit is available. It's the rear that isn't as a whole replacement. I think...
Scott
'Camano' 1986 F250 Supercab XLT Lariat 460/C6
'Chanute' 1980 F350 C&C 400/NP 435 - Gin Pole

But there ain't nothin' wrong with the radio
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
Even if the switching valve is working now you have to think about the future.  They are almost unobtainable and are quite expensive if I remember correctly.  So, if you put money into two tanks and the valve fails.....

All of this is why I'm going with the later fuel delivery modules, which don't take switching valves.  However, the sending units are completely different so you'll have to either swap they out for the Bullnose ones, or do what I'm doing and go with a piece of electronics to convert them to the Bullnose gauge.

And you also have to run a pressure regulator since these are EFI pumps with way too much pressure for the carb.  But a return style regulator is a good fit to replace the hot fuel handling system.

And, I'm going to run a 38 gallon rear tank and a 19 gallon mid-ship tank.  After all, it is a 460 so maybe I can pass at least one station?
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

gbftats
Ok so I found a 38 gallon tank that I believe will work.

The original tank dimensions are 36 x 28.25 x 8.75 inches, the new tank is 34.75 x 18.75 x 10 inches. Im guessing with a little bracing the small dimensions should be a problem. Now on to find a fuel pump that will fit it.


Spectra Premium F26E Fuel Tank for Ford Pickup -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C7TW5K?pf_rd_r=AZCYTJ1Q6M0H4JNB7V5X&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee
1985 Ford F250 Explorer package
460 v8 4x4
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

gbftats
In case anyone runs into this problem in the future, I found that LMC Truck has the sending units and pumps for the stock tanks.
1985 Ford F250 Explorer package
460 v8 4x4
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

Gary Lewis
Administrator
I assume you mean for the stock F-Series as well as the Bronco tanks, right?  The kits for the 38 gallon tank provide ways to modify the stock sending unit to fit the deeper tank.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

gbftats
Yes, the stock F-series.
1985 Ford F250 Explorer package
460 v8 4x4
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Re: '85 F-250 tank conversion?

Whisler
In reply to this post by gbftats
Wish I had gone that way instead of replacing just the midships tank on Frankenstein. Live and learn!
God Bless
Whisler

Frankenstein: 1989 F250 4X4, C-6, Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter, carbed '84 351W, Edelbrock manifold, Edlbrock AVS, DS2 ignition, 3G alternator, JBA shorty headers, no cats, dual exhaust with H pipe.