fuel
Fuel Tank Strap
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
4.0 h
Tools
14
Steps
14
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the fuel tank mounting straps on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including fuel tank lowering and strap installation.
Warnings
⚠️FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD: Diesel fuel is flammable. Ensure adequate ventilation, no open flames, sparks, or smoking within 50 feet. Have a Class B fire extinguisher immediately accessible.
⚠️FUEL SYSTEM UNDER PRESSURE: Even with the engine off, the diesel fuel system retains pressure. Failure to properly relieve pressure can result in fuel spray causing fire or serious injury.
⚠️TANK WEIGHT HAZARD: A full 32-gallon diesel fuel tank weighs approximately 250 lbs. Tank must be supported with proper equipment at all times. Crushing injury risk if tank falls.
⚠This vehicle uses a saddle-style fuel tank that wraps around the driveshaft and rear axle. Improper lowering can damage fuel lines, wiring harness, or vent lines.
⚠If tank is more than 1/4 full, strongly consider draining fuel before removal to reduce weight and spill risk. Use approved fuel transfer pump into approved containers only.
⚠Diesel fuel will damage paint and plastic trim. Cover surrounding areas and clean spills immediately.
ℹ️If you are uncomfortable working with fuel systems or do not have proper lifting equipment, professional service is strongly recommended.
Tools required
Hydraulic floor jack with minimum 1000 lb capacityEssential
Jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Transmission jack or fuel tank support jackEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 lb-ft range)Essential
1/2 inch drive ratchet and socket setEssential
3/8 inch drive ratchet and socket set
18mm wrenchEssential
Fuel line disconnect tool setEssential
Pry bar or large flat blade screwdriver
Wire brush
Drain pan suitable for diesel fuel (minimum 40 gallon capacity)Essential
Wheel chocksEssential
Penetrating oil
Safety glasses and fuel-resistant glovesEssential
Parts
- Fuel tank strap (left) × 1 — Mopar 68241884AA or equivalent
- Fuel tank strap (right) × 1 — Mopar 68241884AA or equivalent
- Fuel line O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Strap mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if corroded
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level concrete surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks at front wheels.
- Relieve fuel system pressure: Remove fuel pump relay (located in power distribution center under hood, marked FP) and attempt to start engine. Engine should fail to start or run briefly then stall.
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical sparks near fuel system.
- Raise and support vehicle on jack stands at frame rails. Ensure vehicle is stable and secure at working height (minimum 24 inches clearance under tank).
- Remove rear wheels to improve access and reduce vehicle weight on stands.
- If tank is more than 1/4 full, drain fuel using approved transfer pump through fuel filler neck. Store fuel in approved containers away from work area.
- Inspect fuel tank straps from underneath. Apply penetrating oil to all strap mounting bolts and allow to soak while preparing other components.
- Place transmission jack or fuel tank support jack under center of fuel tank but do not apply upward pressure yet.
- Have assistant available to help guide tank during lowering and installation.
Procedure
- 1Disconnect fuel filler neck and vent linesLocate the fuel filler neck connection at the forward passenger side of the tank. Loosen the hose clamp securing the filler neck to the tank using a flathead screwdriver or nut driver. Slide clamp back on filler hose. Twist and pull filler neck away from tank grommet. Disconnect the EVAP vent line from the tank by pressing the quick-disconnect release tabs and pulling straight out. Cap or plug the vent line to prevent contamination.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect electrical connectionsLocate the fuel pump module electrical connector on top of the tank (accessible from passenger side). Press the red safety tab and disconnect the connector. Disconnect the fuel level sensor connector if equipped separately. Verify no other electrical connections are attached to the tank.
- 3Disconnect fuel supply and return linesLocate the fuel supply line and return line connections at the front of the tank. These are quick-disconnect fittings. Use the appropriate fuel line disconnect tool for the fitting size (typically 3/8 inch for supply and 5/16 inch for return). Insert tool into the fitting, press inward to release the internal lock, and pull the line straight out. Be prepared for residual fuel spillage (approximately 1/4 cup per line). Inspect the O-rings on the tank fittings and note their condition for replacement. Cap or plug all open lines and fittings immediately.⚠Fuel will drain from disconnected lines. Position drain pan to catch spillage.
- 4Position tank support jackPosition the transmission jack or fuel tank support jack under the center of the fuel tank, using a wide board or tank adapter to spread the load across the tank bottom. Raise the jack until it just makes contact with the tank and provides slight support, but does not lift the tank away from the straps. The tank should remain resting on the straps with the jack providing safety support only at this stage.
- 5Remove fuel tank strap mounting boltsLocate the two fuel tank straps that wrap over the top of the tank and bolt to frame brackets on each side. Each strap has one bolt at the forward end and one at the rear end (4 bolts total). Using an 18mm socket and ratchet, remove the four strap mounting bolts. Start with the rear bolts first. Support each strap as the final bolt is removed to prevent it from falling. Note the orientation and routing of each strap for reinstallation.⚠As bolts are loosened, the tank weight will transfer to the support jack. Ensure jack is positioned securely before removing bolts.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 6Lower fuel tank partiallyWith the straps removed and tank resting on the jack, slowly lower the jack in small increments (1-2 inches at a time). As you lower, continuously check that all fuel lines, vent lines, wiring harness, and filler neck are free and not binding or stretching. The tank should lower smoothly. If resistance is felt, stop and verify all connections have been disconnected. Lower tank approximately 6-8 inches to provide clearance for strap removal and inspection.⚠️Never position any body part under the tank while lowering. Tank can shift unexpectedly.
- 7Remove old fuel tank strapsWith the tank lowered, pull the old straps out from their position between the tank and frame. Inspect the straps for the failure mode (rust perforation, cracking, or deformation). Inspect the frame mounting brackets for damage, rust, or elongated bolt holes. If brackets are damaged, they must be replaced before installing new straps. Clean the frame mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and provide clean metal for proper torque retention.
- 8Install new fuel tank strapsPosition the new fuel tank straps in their correct orientation. Each strap should have the mounting flanges facing outward toward the frame brackets. Route the straps around the tank from the sides, ensuring the rubber cushion strips (if equipped on new straps) contact the tank surface. The straps should lay flat against the tank contour without twisting. Have assistant support straps in position while preparing to raise tank.
- 9Raise fuel tank into positionSlowly raise the transmission jack to lift the tank back toward its mounting position. As you raise the tank, guide the fuel lines, vent lines, and wiring harness to ensure they route properly without pinching or binding. Continue raising until the strap mounting holes align with the frame bracket holes. Have assistant align the straps while you control the jack. The tank should sit evenly with both straps under equal tension.⚠Do not force the tank upward if straps do not align easily. Lower slightly and verify nothing is obstructing the tank or straps.
- 10Install strap mounting boltsInstall the four fuel tank strap mounting bolts finger-tight initially. Start with the forward bolts, then the rear bolts. Ensure the strap flanges are properly seated against the frame brackets and the bolts thread in smoothly without cross-threading. Once all four bolts are started, use a torque wrench to tighten them to specification in a cross pattern (driver front, passenger rear, passenger front, driver rear) to ensure even tank seating. Apply final torque in two stages: first to 50% of specification, then to full specification.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect fuel supply and return linesInstall new O-rings on the tank fuel line fittings (supply and return), lubricating them lightly with clean diesel fuel. Push each fuel line straight onto its corresponding tank fitting until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently pull back on each line to verify it is locked in place. The line should not pull free with moderate hand force.⚠Fuel line O-rings are CRITICAL for preventing leaks. Always use new O-rings, never reuse old ones.Torque specFuel Line Fittings25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 12Reconnect electrical and vent connectionsReconnect the fuel pump module electrical connector, ensuring the connector fully seats and the red safety lock clicks into place. Reconnect the fuel level sensor connector if separately equipped. Reconnect the EVAP vent line to the tank fitting by pushing straight in until it clicks. Verify the connection by pulling gently on the line.
- 13Reconnect fuel filler neckAlign the fuel filler neck with the tank grommet and push it firmly into the tank until fully seated. Slide the hose clamp forward over the connection area and tighten to specification. Ensure the clamp is positioned over the raised bead on the filler neck for proper sealing.Torque specHose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 14Remove tank support and verify clearancesSlowly lower and remove the transmission jack from under the tank. The tank should now be fully supported by the new straps. Verify that the tank has proper clearance from the driveshaft, rear axle, exhaust components, and frame. There should be no contact points. Verify all fuel lines have adequate slack and no sharp bends. Rock the tank gently by hand to verify it is securely mounted with no excessive movement.
Reassembly
- Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (use a crisscross pattern).
- Lower vehicle from jack stands.
- Reconnect negative battery cable.
- Reinstall fuel pump relay in power distribution center.
Verification
- Before starting engine, turn ignition key to RUN position (without starting) for 5 seconds, then OFF for 5 seconds. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times to prime the fuel system and pressurize fuel lines.
- Inspect all fuel line connections, filler neck, and tank seams for any signs of fuel leakage. Use a flashlight and look carefully as diesel leaks may appear as wet spots or drips.
- Start the engine and allow it to idle. Monitor fuel system for leaks while engine is running. Check around all connection points made during the repair.
- With engine running, have assistant visually inspect the tank and straps from underneath while you gently apply throttle. Verify no excessive tank movement or contact with other components.
- Turn engine off and perform final inspection of all connection points. Wipe any spilled fuel from components and recheck after 10 minutes to verify no new fuel appearance.
- Test drive vehicle and monitor for fuel odors, unusual noises from rear of vehicle, or changes in fuel gauge reading. Recheck all connections after test drive.
- If any fuel leaks are detected, immediately relieve fuel system pressure, disconnect battery, and repair the leak before operating vehicle.