Wow, I sure wish I would have found this board BEFORE I bought my 2001 2500, complete with VP44, code 53 block and automatic trans! I have already learned more than I thought possible just in the last few days of browsing the posts here.

Now for my question: After close inspection of the fuel system on my new-to-me truck, it appears as though the block mounted lift pump has been replaced with a machined aluminum block mounted in the original pump bracket. It looks like some sort of "dummy pump" as it has the fuel lines attached to it, but no wires. Does anyone know if this indicates the original block mounted pump has been retrofitted to an in-tank pump? Seems as though I read somewhere on this board that is what Dodge's fix for the original pump is.

If I do have an in-tank pump, is it really any better than the block mounted pump when it comes to reliability? Would an auxiliary frame mouted pump be able to draw through the in-tank pump should it (the in-tank pump) fail?

Sorry for all the questions for my first post here! I do have a fairly good diesel background, but it's only for off-highway equipment, most of it outdated by todays standards! (Anyone else here ever had to adjust the fuel rack on a Detroit 6-71, or pull the jugs off of a Deutz?). BTW, My first investment is going to be a fuel pressure guage.

Thanks for any info!
Bratkid

 

That block is just so Dodge didn't have to replace the fuel lines also when they installed your in-tank pump. To help with flow, get a fuel line kit from vulcanperformance.com That alone will help big time, IF remaining mostly stock.

I also have an in-tank pump. I installed a big line kit from vulcan. I also added and extra in-line fuel pump. I had an extra stock pump, so I mounted it on the frame right in front of the fuel tank. That way both pump work in tandem. My fuel pressure never get below 10 psi. Even at WOT.