Rear Crossmember Removal and Panhard Bar Suspensions: 1955-1987 Chevrolet C10 and 1967-1972 Ford F100 Tanks
Applies to: Boyd Welding fuel tanks for 1955-1987 Chevrolet C10 and 1967-1972 Ford F100 trucks only.
Short answer: On these trucks, removing the rear crossmember to install a Panhard bar suspension can let the frame flex and crack the tank at its mount points. That is an installation issue, not a tank defect, so it is not covered under our two-year limited structural warranty.
Why the rear crossmember matters on these trucks
- On 1955-1987 C10 and 1967-1972 F100 frames, the rear crossmember ties the frame rails together and keeps them from twisting or flexing against each other.
- Boyd tanks for these trucks mount to the frame, so their mounts are built for a frame that stays rigid.
What happens when it's removed
- Some Panhard bar suspension kits for these trucks call for removing the rear crossmember.
- Without it, the frame can flex more as the truck drives.
- That flex goes into the tank mounts and can crack the tank where it mounts.
Warranty coverage
- Boyd Welding tanks carry a two-year limited structural warranty against defects.
- On these C10 and F100 tanks, cracks from frame flex after the rear crossmember is removed are an installation issue, not a tank defect.
- These cracks are not covered under the warranty.
Our recommendation
- If you have a 1955-1987 C10 or 1967-1972 F100, keep the rear crossmember in place whenever you can.
- If your suspension kit calls for removing it, ensure to replace it.
- Phone: 352-447-2405
- Email: Sales@boydwelding.com