Fuel tank: how important is the...

[Bent]

I just purchased a supposedly identical tank for my '87 LWB. Both the OEM I am replacing and the new tank are 23 gallon. Both have the internal tray below the pump/sending unit opening. I notice that on the new tank there is not the wierd 45* bend on one corner of the stamped seam that runs the horizontal circumference. For the life of me I don't see what/where/how that would be a problem as the tank is supported by three straps anyway.

What is of concern is the lack of the standoff that the sending/support/ fuel pump fits into at the bottom of the tank.
It seems to me that this could allow for more vibration induced flex of the already impossible to find sending/pump hanger assembly.

Am I over reacting...again?

 

[Bent]

Here are a couple pics. Now that I've calmed down...wouldn't the standoff interfere with putting a screen attached to the bottom of the fuel pump? When I replaced the pump ~10 years ago I don't remember putting one on. When I opened the tank I found one sitting (to the right) outside of the internal tray on the forward end of the tank. Maybe the PO had installed a pump and oriented the screen wrong. (XJ direction?) Then again I might have.


Still don't get why this bend is there:

Standoff:

Yes I know it's a little dirty. Yes, I know I *could* clean it out...but I Really don't want to!

 

[muddypunk]

My 95 has the bent corner but my 88 doesn't. I just looked under them both.Both XJ's maybe that's the difference.

I believe it's too clear the shock.

 

[Bent]

I hadn't thought about the shock. BTW, this is on an MJ.

 

[89eliminator]

none of my tanks have had that bend. i dont even think that should be there. i have a Mopar tank in my shop that does not have the bend.

the tray in the tank doesn't seem like an issue to me but its hard to tell in the pic.

 

[Devilfrog]

Isn't that stand off/tray the sump? There to prevent fuel starvation from fuel sloshing in corners and at angles? That was my understanding.

 

[GSequoia]

Just cut it out of the old tank and weld it in the new tank. :firedevil

 

[Bent]

Maybe a little PhotoShopping will help. This is the standoff/support I'm referring to:

As far as the question about it being an aftermarket tank goes, I'm going to guess it's an OEM original equipment unit.