Two steel straps hold the fuel tank to the unibody. They rust through and let the tank drop. Replacement with Crown or aftermarket galvanized strap.
XJ fuel tank is suspended by two steel straps that bolt to the unibody at the front and a fixed hook at the rear. The straps rust severely in northern climates and will eventually fail, dropping the tank onto the rear driveshaft - a serious safety issue. Inspect annually by pressing up on the strap with a screwdriver tip; any flaking or perforation means replacement. Crown 52018648 fits driver side, 52018649 passenger side; about $35 each. Aftermarket galvanized straps from JCR Offroad or Skid Row are tougher and rust-resistant for $70-90 per strap. Replacement requires tank drop (see related entry). After install, coat the new straps with cavity wax or undercoating to extend life. While the tank is down, inspect the rear unibody crossmember where the rear strap hook attaches - this metal also rusts and can pull through under load. Replace the strap bolts with grade 8 hardware and use anti-seize for future serviceability.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Crown tank strap driver | Crown/Quadratec | ~$35 |
| Crown tank strap passenger | Crown/Quadratec | ~$35 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.