I was going to replace my fuel pump, and before doing so I searched the 4 auto parts stores, and none of them had or could order new bolts for the gas tank straps. I knew that I was going to cut them off due to all the rust. While at Lowe's I was looking in the hardware Dept, and found some 3/8 turnbuckles with a hooks on each end. I then bought a 12" peice of threaded rod and fixed my problem.

Cut the threaded rod in half, and the hooks on the end worked perfectly in the slots for the original L type bolts.

Spent a total of $6

 

I know I know, HOLY THREAD REVIVAL! lol but for those that are tackling the fuel pump like me and broke the bolts, THIS ^ is perfect. instead of spending 20 bucks on one bolt, its less than 10 bucks for this. I work at ACE and I wish I thought of this.

 

xj_jeep1 can you take pic? mine super rusty too just in case i have to drop my tank and the bolt break on me.

 

You just need to go to a hardware store and look for an eye bolt with a long enough shaft. I bought mine (I think it was 10" long). Then used a hack saw to cut off some of the "eye" to make a hook instead of the almost closed eye. Works fine and under $10 for both.

Guaranteed the bolts will break when you try to get the old nuts off. I soaked mine with PB blaster and got the nuts just starting to turn but it still broke them after a few minutes of turning.

 

Lol that guy hasn't been on here since 2012. all I am using is a 4" 3/8 threaded hook with a 3/8 coupling nut and some allthread with a nut and washer on the bottom.

 

Rockauto has the j-bolts cheap.. like a couple $$ cheap.

Found that out after getting hit by the dealer for $65 for a pair.. but I needed them then.

 

This is a good fix for me.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...164_0261766517

 

after a few days..found the cheap fix

 

This is what I bought for my son's 98 XJ, the price was good.

 

If anyone lives near a Freightliner dealership, order part number 06-17103-006. This is a battery hold-down bolt which closely resembles the gas tank strap j-bolt (at least for my 93 XJ). It is about 1.5 inches shorter, but still may work. They retail for about $5 each (as of July 2016).

I had already bought the direct replacements online for $33 each before I noticed this, so I cannot confirm if they will work or not, but if you're close to a Freightliner dealership, it may be worth a try.

 

Cool. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Thx

 

I used an actual turnbuckle from Home Depot and customized it with a hook end and eyelet end so it couldnt slip through. costs me $12 and its stainless steel. pix to come

 

Where are these pics, fella?

 

Lots of good idea's. I appreciate that. I remember the battery hold downs. I bet that tractor supply will have something as well.
Thanks much!