Will replied:

Dmitri,
I was looking at changing mine some months back, when I did some research I found that:
When they install them, they cut and reweld the floating system (drives the gauge and transfer pump).
Tank hungs low below the chassis rail.
I did not go ahead.
Recently I heard that people had troubles with tanks cracking (even those who had assured me theirs does not crack).
I also heard from people with transfer pump/gauges problems after they replaced the tank.

I am glad I haven't changed mine.
Will
Some recent

CLIVEB replied:

DIMITR,
SOME YEARS AGO B/DAVIS HAD A POOR REPUTATION FOR LEAKING TANKS,THIS IS NO LONGER A PROBLEM ,AND IS REPLACED BY A POOR ATTITUDE TOWARDS CUSTOMERS.
PARTICULARY WHEN TECHNICAL QUESTIONS ARE ASKED,OR IF A CLUB DISCOUNT ENQUIRY IS MADE.
I BELIEVE LRA HAVE NON OF THESE PROBLEMS AND SUGGEST YOU ENQUIRE THERE.
GOOD LUCK,A WELL MADE LONG RANGE TANK IS THE BEST ACCESSORY YOU CAN OBTAIN.

Truckster replied:

As it was said on here and the patrol list, there are + and - stories on every accessory on the market. Which is annoying as they come.

I think the best way is to shop around LOTS, at different places, ask the same questions of each place, and see what they all say! Even call interstate which is what i did with my Turbo.

Then from the info and attitudes gained, that sort of helps out with the decision. Well it did for me.
EG. one Turbo place in Dande, the salesman had no idea and had to ask someone for EVERY question I had in relation to the turbo and kits. He made phone calls and all!! I walked out. Shows they dont know what they are selling. So him telling me his is the best meant NOTHING!

Also good to go to a 4wd club to do with your truck and see what sort of options people there are using. Longranger may be good for Jackaroos and not Patrols etc..

Out of interest, did you have any luck with the archives on the patrol list? Wasnt sure which one people had problems with the after sales service.

Goodsy replied:

If you buy a brown davis install it your self and make sure you clean all the slag out of the tank. My old man and a mate have had brown davis tanks installed, no problems with leaking but fuel filters on both cars are changed on a regular basis 10000K by force (car stops no fuel). Good strong tank but needs to be cleaned!!!

Mike replied:

Having just returned from 4 months out on the track, I also picked up some research on replacement tanks. For a start, let me say, DON'T buy your tank from 4WD Systems in SA. I heard from guys who do recoveries in the outback and the Kimberly, that 4 out of every 5 fuel tank problems he deals with are BD tanks. Most experience splitting along weld lines, others are problems with slag and rust in the tanks. I spoke to a tour operator who had to remove his BD tank because of the amont of problems. I have had similar problems with my replacement tank. As a hint, if you fit any type of steel tank, throw in some magnets, (old speaker magnets are good), to catch the floating metal that outback corrugations will shake loose. Happy trails, Mike.

Truckster replied:

For a start, let me say, DON'T buy your tank from 4WD Systems in SA. . I heard from guys who do recoveries in the outback and the Kimberly, that 4 out of every 5 fuel tank problems he deals with are BD tanks

Ive mailed this company, and called them, never had someone answer the phone! Is it the one with the 2+ page ads in 4wd mags isnt it? Ive never had a response ONCE from them on anything! Good service or what! That sort of to me says lots about any company.

Bob Y. replied:

Dmitri, We replaced the sub tank on an 80 series with an LRA tank, fitted by ARB in Rocky in June, 2000. Have done almost 60,000 kms since, some of that on rough gravel, with plenty of corrugations. No signs of leaks, cracks or breakages. Only downside is filling up when on holidays! The fuel gauge mightn't suit some people, but we're used to it now. Catch you later...