There are multiple fuel tank sizes available for these trucks, depending on the model configuration. The standard cab/short bed pickups (Short Wheel Base – SWB) came with a 13.7 gal fuel tank. The Xtra Cab or Long Bed (Long Wheel Base – LWB) came with either a 17 or 19 gal fuel tank.
While replacement tanks of all sizes are available (FYI: a 19 gal tank can be swapped for a 17 gal- the 17 mounts the same, but is not quite as tall on top) the sending units are a different story.
All the aftermarket fuel sending units seem to be for the smaller SWB 13.7 gallon tank. Some of the ebay/amazon sellers even list these as being compatible with the larger tanks on long bed trucks, even though the units are clearly identical to the units for the 13.7 gal tank. Yes, they’ll bolt in, but they won’t work as they should. This causes inaccurate reading issues with the fuel gauge when these 13.7 gal sending units are installed in the larger LWB tanks.
However, I have found a solution! One of my viewers, Eric, was having the issue above, purchasing a few aftermarket fuel sending units that were supposed to fit a long bed gas tank, but getting the same inaccurate results because they were all for the SWB 13.7 gal tanks. Because of my Toyota parts hoarding disorder, I’ve had a rusty old sending unit from my 1986 Long Bed 1-ton sitting in a box for years. You can see the LWB sending unit on the left, and the SWB standard cab/bed unit on the right. Notice the difference in the shape of the rod and orientation of the float at the end of the rod.
I used needle nose pliers to bend open the two metal clasps holding the base of the rod to the sending unit, and the rod pulled right out. I shipped the rod and float to Eric, who had removed the rod/float from one of his SWB sending units. He then installed the LWB rod/float on the SWB unit and… SUCCESS! So don’t toss out those old LWB sending units, because you can use the rod/float to install on the affordable aftermarket units for the SWB fuel tanks.
It makes me happy to see that this rotted out ol gal helped keep yet another Yota on the road. Rust in piece, 1986 1-ton Long Bed.
Eric’s 1985 Toyota Pickup:
