Fuel Tank Mounting Straps: Service and Repair

Fuel Tank Support Straps

Removal and Installation

All vehicles

WARNING: Do not smoke, carry lighted tobacco or have an open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting.

2. If equipped, remove the 4 bolts, the nut and the fuel tank skid plate.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).

Explorer/Mountaineer

3. Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints.

All vehicles

4. Using a suitable jack, support the fuel tank.





5. Remove the bolt and the fuel tank rear support strap.
- To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

6. Remove the nut and the fuel tank front support strap.
- To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.