With the vehicle back on the...
With the vehicle back on the ground, the new tank and hitch are barely visible. The license plate flips up to access the receiver hitch, while allowing the plate to still be visible. Best of all, the Suburban now has 50 percent more fuel capacity and the ability to pull a trailer.
One of the big drawbacks of most classic vehicles is the limited fuel tank capacity - and the early Suburbans are no exception. With a tank size of only 18 gallons, they are limited to a couple hundred miles or less between fuel stops. Now, this may not be a big issue for the cruise-night guys, but it's a real pain for anyone taking that long road trip.
The guys at Early Classic Enterprises have come up with a viable solution to this dilemma with their new 27-gallon Suburban tank. Constructed using 14-gauge stainless steel, these beauties feature an inner baffle chamber design to restrict fuel sloshing. Optional features include an in-tank electric fuel pump for those truck owners running a fuel-injected engine
Many truck and Suburban owners use their rigs to tow, and Early Classic also manufactures a line of receiver hitches that hide behind the factory license plate box until needed. These Class 4 hitches allow you the ability to take even more stuff along on your next road trip to the lake or swap meet.
Follow along and we'll show you what's involved in the installation of both the tank and hitch kits on a classic '72 Suburban.
The Early Classic Tank Kit...
The Early Classic Tank Kit comes with the correct sending unit and replacement rear crossmember. At 27 gallons, this Suburban tank offers 50 percent more capacity than the factory unit. ECE also offers a 23-gallon unit for shortbed trucks. Both tanks are available with provisions for an in-tank electric pump for fuel-injected applications.
1a.The original fuel tank...
1a.The original fuel tank was held in place using a pair of sheetmetal straps that cinched the tank up against the bottom lip of the frame. After supporting the tank and removing the filler neck, the tank is gently lowered down and out of the chassis. Of course, this process is much easier if the tank is empty.
1b.
2a.To achieve the larger capacity,...
2a.To achieve the larger capacity, ECE's tank is considerably longer than the stock unit. This requires replacing the rear frame crossmember with a new design included with the tank. By using the inner frame area, the tank can have the larger capacity without it hanging down below the chassis as far as the original. The factory crossmember has four rivets that need to be drilled out or chiseled off for removal.
2b.
3.In order for the new ECE...
3.In order for the new ECE crossmember to slip inside the framerails, the lower body mount cushion needs to be removed on one side for clearance.
4a.After carefully measuring...
4a.After carefully measuring and marking the new crossmember location, the mounting holes in the frame are drilled with a pilot bit. To reach the upper holes, an extended drill bit from the local hardware store is used to get the job done.
4b.
5a.Before the new rear crossmember...
5a.Before the new rear crossmember can be bolted in place, the hidden hitch mounting holes need to be drilled. Early Classic includes a locating template with its Hitch Kit that shows you exactly where to drill the needed mounting holes. Once this step is complete, the new rear crossmember is bolted in place.