How close is the gas tank to the bottom of the rear floor?

I'm working on a simple spare tire mount for a 33" tire in the rear cargo area of my XJ, but I want to make it sit flush so that I can still take the tire out and use the cargo space if I need to.

My question, before I start cutting the floor up to recess the nuts for the spare tire mount is, how close is the gas tank? I really don't want to cut through that sucker, and I don't feel like getting third degree burns from a grinder spark in some gas fumes, so can anyone give me an idea how much wiggle room I have here?

Thanks guys.

NotMatt said:

how close is the gas tank?

Thanks guys.

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PRETTY DAMN. Do yourself a favor. in 15-20 min. you can have it out.

i'd say definitely no more than 3/4", probably less. there are a couple of support ribs that run under the floor that the gas tank is held against, but that's it!

yeah take some time to drop the tank if you are serious about making this a permanent mod... a good oportunity to inspect your tank and such..