The Black Hole

[KurtECV]

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-800-1...ocphy=9023645&hvtargid=pla-569649967651&psc=1

maybe something like this? route the nylon hose out of the way?

 

[gmanpaint]

I know newer models use plastic fuel supply lines instead of metal. I am unsure if they are returnless tho.

So what about using a stock plastic fuel line made for an Ex /Ranger from the fuel pump, and using that compression fitting, onto the hard line after cutting out the elbow?

Edit:
Ok, did a little research. Return less starts in 99 with a 5/16 line.
98 down is return style with 5/16 inlet and 3/8 outlet on the sending unit. I found a 16' roll of stainless braided nylon fuel line for under $30, and can add fittings to it. I can get the Dorman nylon repair fittings to use at the sending unit, and should be able to use that brass compression fitting on the other end.

 

[KurtECV]

I know newer models use plastic fuel supply lines instead of metal. I am unsure if they are returnless tho.

So what about using a stock plastic fuel line made for an Ex /Ranger from the fuel pump, and using that compression fitting, onto the hard line after cutting out the elbow?

That might be the ticket, depending on how you can route the line.

 

[CDW6212R]

Don't use compression fittings for high pressure fuel lines. Changing to SS lines with AN fittings is a fine idea, even the rubber kind of EFI fuel hose is good, with solid end connections(AN etc).

Are you sure it's the fuel line you need to move/alter? There are three metal lines along there, the largest is the aluminum emissions line going back to the gas tank and charcoal canister. They are all held in with just simple clamps, you might be able to loosen those and move the lines a bit front to back, or bend them a little, with them out some, to reach better.

 

[gmanpaint]

Well, hmm..... It is the largest line that sticks out the furthest. I "Assumed" it was the return line. The return line shouldn't have any real pressure in it. Just back flow rate, which can't be much.

I traced the supply line from the filter, so I know it's not that one.

If it is just the evap crap line, then I will just cut it, use a rubber fuel hose, hose clamps and be done with it.

Thanks for saying that Don ( I feel like a dumbass now), I will look at those lines closer, and do my best to follow them. It's so damn tight right there at the fuel tank, it's hard to see what's what. Doesn't help all the lines vanish behind the tank, and also doesn't help I never dropped this tank, to see first hand whats what behind it, inside the frame rail.

Ya know what... Every time I attempt to do something I have yet to do on this rig, my head always overthinks things. I tend to prepare for the worse, so I am not taken back, when the worse actually happens. lol

 

[KurtECV]

That sounds about right. Usually the supply fuel line is 3/8 and the returns are 5/16. Didnt think about the evap line

 

[410Fortune]

unclip it and see if you can move it just a bit before cutting anything, should be quite a bit of wiggle room when removed from the plastic retainer clips
Zip ties are your friend

 

[gmanpaint]

I have egg on my face. It is indeed just the metal evap tube in the way. Sorry folks, I made a mistake.

I un-clipped it, but it won't go back much at all, maybe 1/4". I need at least 1.5" more if I tried to raise the wide ass t-case. The elbow sticks out from the frame rail about 4-5".

I might just drop this entire notion of lifting the case, and just attempt to move it to the passenger side only. Just going to have to deal with it being 5" lower than the frame rail, and work on beefier skid protection. Like Jamie said, I can ziptie that evap tube tight to the frame, to get that little extra room. Just blows me away that the 5.0/4r70W sits that much lower than the 4.0/M5 setup does. Had a good 1.5" gap between the skid and Atlas, now I had to drop the skid an Inch with a tiny gap.

For the driveshaft and fuel tank clearence, I guess I can remove some of the bracket. Hopefully if I can move the trans a little, to help here. I know the 4406 swap people have to do this, so it can be done without worry. Atlas is 2" shorter (depth) than the previous set up, and I don't know where the shaft flange/ujoint ends up on the 4406 install. I imagine it's fairly close to the same as the Atlas. As is, any movement to the drivers side, and the ujoint will hit the fuel tank stuffs.

 

[CDW6212R]

If there is room in that area where the line is in the way, unclip the line clamps nearby and see if you can get your hands around the line. It might be possible to bend it back out of the way, that one isn't critical to not deform etc, like the fuel lines which are steel. Just don't bend it too much in one spot, it's more likely to pinch or crack in a spot like that.

 

[gmanpaint]

There really isn't any good working room Don. I have the slider brackets there next to the elbow. lol I couldn't even get a flare tool in there if I cut the line. It's tighter than a water skier's bung.

I plan on getting under it and seeing what I can do over the weekend. I got a 2nd skid plate, and going to weld two of them together along with a better frame spacer. Stack of washers just isn't going to cut it for me.

 

[CDW6212R]

That's what I was wondering, if you had the frame/slider items close in there. That was the easier way I thought, rather than dropping the gas tank.

I had a bad main fuel line in my Mercury, it was twisted badly from prior owners. So I bought a used one from Kubiak(?) here, and he sent it bent in half in a box. I replaced it when I dropped the tank to change pumps, so those line clamps took a few minutes to get off to R&R the line.

 

[gmanpaint]

Not many pics in this thread of late, so here is a little recap from over the years, with a few sample pictures from different meets with the forum.

 

[gmanpaint]

More:

 

[gmanpaint]

More yet:

 

[gmanpaint]

Mixed collection shots:

 

[gmanpaint]

And my favorite pictures. Group shots showing all the kick ass members from here I have met over the years.

Thanks for letting me join in on some of the fun, and giving me memories for a lifetime! Loved every single minute of it, and cherish these moments to my core.

 

[gmanpaint]

Few more group shots:

Those are just a handful of pictures from over the years here. I can't wait to take more adventures with you guys, and capture many more memories like these.

 

[Turdle]

Must do over , or again, which ever fits.

 

[WormsExplorer]

Wonderful pics sir. Almost showed the growth progress of your Explorer.

 

[gmanpaint]

Its been the same height for 10 years now, but it has changed a lot in that time frame. Next batch of picture's will show the recent changes. Just need to get it back in action !!

Jon, if we can muster up the energy and do maybe half of these again, while we can still climb into these rigs, that would be a monumental achievement!

Hoping a weekend run this month is going to happen.