Gas Tank Shield, trim project

[1USMC]

Trying to finish up a few last minute small things before for my first upcoming Jeep Jamboree.

So I wanted to try and trim my gas tank shield. Did I remember to do it when I swapped my springs and installed Matt’s spacer.. No… should I have .. Yes !!

I didn’t have the time to disconnect everything I had to when I swapped the springs, ( the long bump stops and 6” lift springs make it more challenging for me) and everything I do takes 3-4 times longer than most people.

Oh and I’m another one that is on the floor on my garage ( ok it does have old carpet on it ) using only a floor jack and two jack stands ! Lol

So I have a number of cutting tools.. and let’s see.. cutting torch … Mmm.. Ok lets rule that one out..

Now how can I get this cutting wheel in there? I started on the right side and made my first vertical cut.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/0b950721ec4b464a91cd76e8383a5211_zpsda53-1.jpg



The next, drivers side vertical cut was tight but doable.



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCN0830_zps57fca505-1.jpg




Now how can I get in a place to make the horizontal cut ?? No matter how hard I tried I could not get the cut-off tool in place to make the cut no matter which way I routed it. It was really the hose that was the limiting factor.



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCN0831_zps57226da1-1.jpg



I got lucky.. I remembered that I really like the swivel I use on my ratchet. So, I swapped it to the cut-off tool and Magic, it worked !!




https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCN0832_zps32dd0441-1.jpg



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCN0833_zps49a9c368-1.jpg



After I made the horizontal cut I went back and slightly angled the top edges outward.



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCN0834_zps673ff552-1.jpg



Then a couple big blasts of black rust-oleum and I’m done !



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCN0835_zpsf9e487a5-1.jpg



I think my cut is hi enough for the upper arm to still hit the shield first, but I will keep an eye on it to make sure.



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2013/03/DSCN0836_zpsaf7270c5-1.jpg

[Matt]

Good work man!

And hell, I do all my work on my garage floor too lol

[thance]

Looks good!!

I used tin shears.....I'm afraid to put a power tool (or torch) that close to the gas tank.

[thance]

Am I seeing an adjustable lower control arm behind the JSK quick disconnects? Where did that come from?

[1USMC]

Am I seeing an adjustable lower control arm behind the JSK quick disconnects? Where did that come from?

Yes... It is by BDS, and I picked it up from another Forum's member about 3 years ago. I have a hybrid lift. At the time ( and I believe it is still true) , BDS had just stopped making lifts for our Jeeps.

[thance]

Very nice ... and it appears to be better quality than SL, plus it's adjustable!

On a different note.... Do you find you get more benefit in the front or rear when you remove the quick disconnects? Does it make a big difference?