2014 F350 XLT Has No Ground Clearance- what?!

jage

Observer
My dad came out from Indiana with his new truck and it's the first time I've seen it. He's got a 2014 F350 Crew Cab long bed with a 1993 Viking Pop top slide in. The camper is 1,100lb and it should be a perfect setup for back-country camping and moderate offroad performance. The only problem is the truck has about 6" of ground clearance.

The problem is the fuel tank. It's actually mounted hanging down below the frame rail. I had the same truck in a 1999 for many years and apart from the grill this monstrously low fuel tank is really the biggest difference. There seems to be plenty of space above the fuel tank to have it inside the frame like previous versions, but for some reason they hung it below the frame with just a piece of plastic next to it. The muffler is also low, but that's an easy fix.

The question isn't so much why, as "can it be fixed". Like is there a simple tank swap from another model, or a modification that's common. I'm flabbergasted by the clearance and the obvious fact that this was clearly just stuck on with a few straps and a piece of plastic. I can't fathom the reason, but mostly I just want an easy way to get him back the 9" of ground clearance because currently he can't go anywhere, not even gravel roads back in Indiana much less out here.

And before you say it, I know the obvious solution: buy a different truck, but that's not possible- it took 10 years and his old truck (1990 GMC 2500) breaking in half before he bought this one. And unfortunately I can't be there so I can't make sure he doesn't make another mistake anyway.

F350%20tank.jpg


So- is this a common problem, trim specific, or what, and more importantly is there a fix?
 

IdaSHO

IDACAMPER
Its not just the tank.

The way the new frames are designed + larger capacity tank = more tank hanging below the frame rails.

The frame rails simply sit higher at that point than they used to.

And you wont get it any higher.

That tank is large, and fills the space well.

DSC00137.jpg
 
Damn, that sucks. But you have to remember most new trucks are not designed to go offroad, even the 4x4's really. Most buys just do not use them for that, so they are designed with that in mind. I'm someone makes or will make a skid plate for it.


Just thought of this, but even my wife's Subaru Forester has 8.9" of ground clearance. Sad Ford, sad.
 
If it didn't come with the FX4 package, you can still get the skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case and add them. I wouldn't look to balance the truck on them, but they will give a little more protection. All the FX4 package is are these skid plates and crappy "rancho" shocks (not real rancho shocks, just white and red ones with their logo on it, usually worthless by the time you drive off the lot)

http://www.trademotion.com/parts/20...ber=CC3Z9A147A&vehicleid=407728&siteid=214072

The larger after market tanks hang even lower. Easy fix, just put a 6" lift with 37's on. That'll give you a little more clearnace
 

SDDiver5

Expedition Leader
Ford has an option for an extended range fuel tank... Did he opt for that when he bought it by chance? Not many people buy an F350 to take off road but I can't imagine Ford would design it like that.
 

FordGuy1

Adventurer
Remember there is also a 5-6 gal DEF tank mounted in there. We sell S.D to guy's with FWC quite often who wheel the crap out of them and have zero issues. With A truck that big, you learn to avoid issues that would damage that area anyways. Throw on some 35" and a leveling kit with good shocks and be done.
 

FordGuy1

Adventurer
Ford has an option for an extended range fuel tank... Did he opt for that when he bought it by chance? Not many people buy an F350 to take off road but I can't imagine Ford would design it like that.

I have never seen a F-350 with optional fuel capacity. What is the increase?
 

SDDiver5

Expedition Leader
I believe its an additional 10 gallons... I remember reading it in a diesel truck magazine... I could be off on the year, maybe it's a 2015 thing?

Edit: Now Im second guessing myself.
 
Last edited:

FordGuy1

Adventurer
I just double checked and there is no option for larger fuel tanks as far back as 2003. We sell a lot of Titan tanks which work very well. Short bed goes from 29 to 50, and long bed from 38 to 60.
 

SDDiver5

Expedition Leader
I just double checked and there is no option for larger fuel tanks as far back as 2003. We sell a lot of Titan tanks which work very well. Short bed goes from 29 to 50, and long bed from 38 to 60.

I stand corrected! Sorry to throw everyone off like that!
 

LovinPSDs

Adventurer
I just double checked and there is no option for larger fuel tanks as far back as 2003. We sell a lot of Titan tanks which work very well. Short bed goes from 29 to 50, and long bed from 38 to 60.

Any idea if there is any difference in the hang down from a Titan to stock?
 

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