Replaced my VP-44, not because of running issues but because of oil leaking from the base of the injector lines. I felt this condition was a reliability issue and the way every talks you can't really work on these pumps yourself, so I put out the $$$ and got a rebuilt one along with a new lift pump.
During the disassembly I found a BROKEN SUPPORT BRACKET
This may have caused the oil leak on the VP-44 because it was being supported by the injector lines!
That is one poorly made bracket! Flat bar with a piece of heavy walled tubing welded together with two small weld joints
I took it to a welding shop and had it welded like it should have been done from the factory
This truck has been pampered since new, street driven only, no dirt roads or road salt.

It may be a PITA but worth checking to be sure yours isn't broken. It's located between the IP and Vac pump.
You'll have to unbolt the vac pump and slide it back to remove the bracket from the side of the block.
BTW the truck runs stronger and seems to be a little quieter

Good luck, Scott

 

There's actually a recall on the pump bracket for your year truck.