I have a 2001 with 100k miles. Last weekend while driving to Virginia she started to bog down, I had to press the pedel into the carpet to get up the first grade, and couldn't keep up speed on the second.

I had bought fuel about 100 mile previous and thought maybe it was bad. I changed the fuel filter and the engine ran 50% better. I arrived at my destination and bled the water seperator befor I left to go home. The truck ran good, about 400 miles later she started to bog so I re-bled the filter and drove at higher RPM for a distance. She ran fine for the next 400 miles to my driveway. The following morning, she made it to the corner and ran poorly till I got it turned around. By the time I got it home it was running fine again.

I checked the pressure after the filter and it is about 16 PSI at idle and 10 at max RPM (2000) in neutral

I spoke to the mechanic at the Dodge dealer and he thinks it could be the transfer pump/lift pump. I still have the old style mounted on the side of the engine.

Any suggestions?
should I upgrade to the in tank type or replace what I have,
or could it be something else?

 

First off, when (not if), but when you upgrade your lift pump do not get a "in-tank" lift pump. Get yourself the Raptor 100. It comes with everything needed for a complete install, including a 1/2" BigLine kit from the fuel tank to the IP.

Now, to your problem. Have you checked for codes?

 

I 2nd not getting the "in tank" pump

 

I haven't checked for codes because my engine light never came on....
but you convinced me to check

P-PCU P1693
P-ECU P0216

Whats it mean?
Thanks!

 

Injection pump timing failure,high fuel supply restriction,low fuel pressure or possible wrong or incorrectly installed pump keyway

 

0216 that is

 

Sounds like I am not delivering enough fuel, possibly bad transfer pump?

What does everyone recommend for a replacement?
Raptor 100 is one suggestion, is there anything else, cheaper/easier?

I am not interested in changing the performance, just reliabulity

 

thats the same thing my truck does. checked everything on it yesterday. even unhooked my edge comp. and didnt help. guess its time for a pump or just sell it and find a 12 valve. miss my old one!

 

I sold my 92, 12 Valve to buy this one. I miss the 92 only because it got better milage. A little old lady with a shopping cart could that 92 at a stop light. When I found her in the mountains....she wasl all mime!

 

Raptor 100's are about the cheapest and most reliable lift pump systems you gonna find. JMO. As for the 0216 code, yeah you probably did have enough fuel being delivered to the injection pump; so the injection failed. You might wanta start looking around for a new VP-44 injection pump. They're not to difficult to replace yourself.