Long range tank install

**Stumpy1** · 21st May 2014, 10:29 AM

G'day all,

Run into a bloke the other day at the tyre shop as you do and we got talking discos. As it turns out, he does a lot of comp stuff with discos and had just brought another disco 1 to build up into a monster. I had told him about my Cape York preparation and that the last thing bugging me was my fuel range issue. We'll wouldn't you know it.... The disco he was prepping had a long range tank in it. As he runs a fuel cell, he didn't want it.
After inspecting it, I identified it as an older "Long Ranger" tank. The capacity was not marked on it but after some measurements, I estimated it to be around 125L. The only other mark on it was a serial number which I emailed to LongRanger for an I.D. LongRanger come back with the "too hard" response which didn't bother me to much, the tank was straight and the fuel pump worked so I swapped very little cash and was on my way.

After hitting the www again, I discovered that there was two available now, a 138L and a 120(ish, I forget).

I pulled the old plastic tank out after measuring the ground clearance at 480mm. This tank had split recently at the top where the metal strap secures the tank. Grit, stones trapped by this had finally done the inevitable.

I was worried that the tank would hang lower than the original and that I would have to get rid of the rear sway bar and god forbid, the tow bar.

As you can see, this trial fit shows the new tank snugly in place with the sway bar in and those with a keen eye will make out the still loose, front mounts for the tow bar still have loads of room to refit. The tank sits higher than the original at 495mm! Sounds strange I know but the volume has increased by the much tighter fit between the chassis rails and larger volume at the front and rear of the tank. I forgot to take photos of the two tanks side by side cos I'm a dick.

As of today, I have pulled it out again, painted her up, remounted everything and after filling up, I have squeezed 119L into the tank.

I love how a simple one off conversation with a complete stranger can put such a smile on my face. The timing was unreal don't you think?

See you out there!

Stumpy.

**gazby** · 21st May 2014, 01:21 PM

Good purchase Stumpy1, how much heavier than original would you think this new tank is and how thick would you say the plate that it is made from be?
Standard tank is 89 litres, (according to my owners handbook), so you have gained 30 litres, not too bad for something that sits in easily where the original was fitted, and without mods.
I guess if your Disco is a V8 you are looking at about a usable extra range of 150-180 k's.
I wouldn't mind one of those tanks for my Tdi, 30 litres = close to 300 klms.
We have just come back from a weeks camp up the Cape in the D1 Tdi where we got 1020 Klm from 110 litres, Cooktown to Wenlock River and return, it is great up here this time of year before the "masses" move in.

**Stumpy1** · 23rd May 2014, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by gazby

Good purchase Stumpy1, how much heavier than original would you think this new tank is and how thick would you say the plate that it is made from be?
Standard tank is 89 litres, (according to my owners handbook), so you have gained 30 litres, not too bad for something that sits in easily where the original was fitted, and without mods.
I guess if your Disco is a V8 you are looking at about a usable extra range of 150-180 k's.
I wouldn't mind one of those tanks for my Tdi, 30 litres = close to 300 klms.
We have just come back from a weeks camp up the Cape in the D1 Tdi where we got 1020 Klm from 110 litres, Cooktown to Wenlock River and return, it is great up here this time of year before the "masses" move in.

G'day, sorry for the late reply, back out on site and the phone range is crap as usual,

There was a noticeable difference in weight. Without scales, I would estimate the tank would weigh around 30 kilos. I didn't put the verniers on the tank mount tabs but It looked to be made of 2mm sheet. A quick google on Long Ranger Tanks would confirm this, I'm pretty sure they mention the thickness in their advertising blurb.
I'm interested in the 89L quoted in your hand book. The first thing I did when I brought the car a few years ago was run out of fuel between the sellers house and his local servo! After a 200m push I could only squeeze 82L into the tank. I wonder if the V8 and TDI have slightly different tanks.

I ran out of time after the install to make up my tank guard. I have it in cardboard template mode and unfortunately had to fly out for another 4 & 1 swing. Can't wait to get home and finish the guard. I will take some photos for you guys when done. Oh by the way, I nearly cried when you said you get 300km from 30L. You'll be glad you brought the TDI ha ha. With all the big tyres and steel wheels with standard diff ratios I could only get those figures with the mirrors folded back down a mine shaft with a tail wind!

Stumpy

**gazby** · 23rd May 2014, 06:49 PM

Went back to the trusty book and found the following info, Disco's pre March 1993 were in fact only fitted with fuel tanks 81.8 litres capacity.
Whereas after April 1993 fuel tanks of 89 litres capacity were fitted, my two Tdi Disco's are Feb '97 and Jan '98, so you are right, with your 82 litre fill, not ideal on something that drinks like a V8 Disco.

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