Replaced fuel filter, wont prime, Did multiple cycled of key, the lift pump is making noise; however when I dropped the filter canister it was only 1/2 full.

Looks like time for a new pump and a relocation kit.

Vehicle is a 99 with 245K and stock.

VP44 replaced 2 years ago. Yes I am an idgit for not having a fuel pressure gage installed

 

Sometimes my '01 will not prime by itself after a fuel filter change. I have to crack the fuel line fitting where it enters the injection pump, then cycle the key until I get a steady stream of fuel ( usually just catch all the dripping fuel with a rag). It will usually fire then. A couple of times, even this wouldn't allow it to prime and fire. If that happens, I just crack the #3 injector line at the head and crank it over a few times until it fires. Then shut it off, tighten the injector line and re-fire. This has always worked for me.

 

replaced the stocker with an inline replacement from Advance Auto. Will relocate it in the near future. The "upgrade" from advance was nicely engineered to bolt right in