FJ Cruiser Auxiliary Fuel Tank --> INSTALLED

[1 Bored Clerk]

I would appreciate an update when you get the guage installed...and I'd like to see how you did the switch in the cab. I really like this idea as carrying extra fuel is always a hassle. 19 Gal is a lot...that's awesome. So, are you considering different rear springs at this point or do you just lower the front to match now? You'll be at stock ride height pretty soon!

I really like your truck. Everything's there for a reason; hard to argue with that.

[shane4x4]

Awesome install! It's on the list

[Swingshiftworker]

Cool! I'm supposed to be on the short list for the 1st group to be installed. Going to call Steve right now!

Update: Just contacted Steve and I'm scheduled to get mine on 4/25. It'll be 2 fill-ups going down there and just one fill-up after I get back!

[tibaal89]

Now that is a serious peice of expedition gear! I love it, like you said it's vastly safer, easier to use, etc.

It'll be nice to carry near 40 gals of fuel I bet.

[pokerDawg]

It looks great! Looking forward to your TRAIL test report

[pokerDawg]

uphill previously said:

The basic tank with skid plate is $995.00

The sending unit (for the gauge) is another $41.95.

The new gauge (the cool one) is coming from Australia and I don't know what it will set me back. I could have had a more simple, ordinary gauge, but what fun would that have been?

What is the ballpark install cost at Man-E-Fre?

And did you have to do the secret knock to get in unassuming side door of Man-E-Fre's building?

[uphill]

1 Bored Clerk previously said:

So, are you considering different rear springs at this point or do you just lower the front to match now?

I put OME heavies on the back a month or so ago in anticipation of this modification. So it rides just the same as it did before - actually a little softer now because I was banging on those heavies before I added the tank and fuel - so no worries there.

I've been modifying the suspension steadily since I bought the truck in incremental ways including the jounce shocks for trail use so that the vehicle weight with modifications was properly compensated. I know there's the overall weight limit for the OEM FJ and I'm still quite a way from that max figure even when expedition-loaded.

This tank lowers the COG and that's important to me. It's not just that it's weight, it's where the weight is and how you are able compensate with suspension. There was a time when I considered OME superheavy springs, but it's not necessary and all I'd get for that trouble would be a rougher ride.

I installed ALL the switches in the cab at the same time so they're identical for lights, goodies and for the tank. The tank switch was left "dead" until I installed it. That switch went in back in December. I'll shoot photos and post them here of the switches.



The red toggle controls the led flashers/light bar to the rear. The red button lets you scroll between 10 pre-loaded patterns for the light bar.
The Scanguage below speaks for itself.
The first toggle (left) is foglights/Hella Black Magic Lights on the ARB.
The second toggle (right) controls the MAF aux fuel tank.

The aux fuel tank gauge will be installed next to the red toggle, above the scangauge.

There was sun shining into the FJ so I didn't get the very best photo, but you get the idea.

[Dragon]

Very very nice, Larry. I'm a bit jealous.

[Ordoman]

Very nice!

Once again, just as I get my future mod list to a manageable level, I have to add something.

[rbc24123]

Interesting. 19 extra gal. is HUGE! ...Doubles the range of your FJ!

Got any pix of how you fill it?

It looks like it hangs a bit lower than your exhaust (IMO). I might be wrong, but that's how it looks from these pix. Please verify.

Also, I'm wondering how the extra weight when full affects your handling.