I just purchased a slightly used 2002 24 valve (240k) because I was feeling the itch to have a diesel back in the driveway...and that's exactly where it will be for at least the next few days. I only bought the truck to drive on the weekends as it is always a pita borrowing my dad's truck.

Knowing the inherent problems with the lift pump/fuel system, I installed a fuel pressure gauge. I used the test pressure port off the injection pump. Of course the gauge was reading next to nothing...which is what I expected as I saw little to no fuel when bleeding my gauge lines. This is where the lesson regarding nothing being easy on a diesel begins....

Since I won't be driving the truck much, I went ahead and purchased the airtex pump from Advanced Auto Parts because it was on sale for $140. I didn't investigate the problem much before buying the pump because it appeared there was something down there where the pump belonged. This afternoon I removed the fuel filter assembly and found that I didn't have a lift pump on the side of the block anymore! Just the little metal assembly they must install to relocate the lift pump to the tank. After a little more investigation, I found the relay off the battery and where it spliced into the wiring along the frame back to the tank.

So as I said earlier, there it sits in the driveway. I didn't really want to drop the tank...for that matter I really didn't want to mess with a new lift pump. It looks like I don't have a choice now.

I guess what I'm looking for is advice to make this repair as simple and painless as possible. I didn't want to spend $500 on an Airdog or FASS, but maybe should. Do I have any other options? I'm looking for one that doesn't involve dropping the tank. Thanks in advance.

 

Perhaps you should. Some do without the extra filtration & stay stock with the engine. Fuel, track bar, DSS, ball joints, steering box, gauges are all things you'll consider soon. VP is a constant threat. I saw where my VP is reman so the PO must have changed it before 110,000. He didn't have gauges.

 

I've been doing a little research and it doesn't look like I'm going to avoid dropping the fuel tank. I'll probably go with a Raptor FP150 and a draw straw.

 

you could keep your airtech pump and get a big line kit and drawstraw, its only 2 bolts and a couple hoses to drop the tank, pretty simple

oh yeah dont forget to instal the in cab fuel pressure gauge!!

 

But,But, but........... The intank lift pumps never fail!

Sorry to be a smart aleck, Get rid of the devils contraption in your tank and be happy.

 

If you can get a couple of buddies to help, lift the bed off instead of dropping the tank.

Especially if you have more fuel than an almost empty tank. I pulled my bed when I replaced my fuel gauge sender and it was a lot easier than previous experiences with dropping fuel tanks.

 

I'm picking up an Airdog II tomorrow. From what I can tell, it appears to be the most complete kit...there's nothing worse than having to head back into town because there is a fitting needed halfway through the project.

 

can you elaberate a lil more please on what type of lift pump you purchased and why you choose it. im looking into doing this myself. also how do i tell if i have my lift pump on my engine.

 

Here's a link for you. http://www.pureflowairdog.com/
The AD was my choice based on installs that i had done and warranty support. FASS is the same but usually priced a lot more.
Look on your engine and see if you have item #1. If not then you have the intank pump.