I know this has been discussed extensively, and I've read a lot of old threads, but I'm looking for current info.

In short, what is the best factory replacement lift pump for my truck? I know about FASS and Airdog. The latter has a bad reputation after reports of a build quality decline. On the FASS, I just spoke with a local shop, Imler Diesel (Sacramento, Calif.) and they told me they've had recent quality problems with the FASS DDRP pump and no longer sell it as a result.

So what to do?

 

Buy two Carter replacements, instal 1, put the other under the seat for when you need it.

My FASS is still putting out 16-18 psi and 9-11 when I get on it.

You don't need all the extra filtration and water separation(unless you buy garbage fuel) on a 24v, I just run the 95gph model and a good fuel filter. I have a NAPA prefilter inline prepump. Get the good one for diesel, it has a metal screen element. The gasser one is paper and can collapse.

 

My Air Dog has been pretty good.
Every 3/4 years the pump dies.
I call them up, tell them my pump is making noise and the PSI is running low.
They send me a new pump right out, no questions asked.
I can't ask for much more than that.

 

I'm sorry to say that your local diesel shop is incorrect and behind the times in information.....
Many years ago when FASS began offering a factory replacement pump for people like you and created the DDRP. The only problem is the DDRP had some kinks. But in a couple years time FASS ironed out all their problems and the DDRP became a good reliable pump which was easy to install and far out weighed the OEM lift pump.

But in time the company Pureflow (whom some mistakenly call Airdog) also began to offer a direct replacement pump which they call the FRRP. It too was a good pump when first introduced but a few years ago it was rumored that Pureflow sold out and started outsourcing their products and quality control and reliability plummeted. Today its well talked about that Purflow's Airdog and Raptor pumps are risky purchases but FASS is still making their high quality stuff they've always produced.

So in saying that, I would always suggest staying away from a Carter OEM lift pump simply because their odds of failure is terribly high. Its just not a good pump design and they simply dont produce the necessary volume. And the Carter pump problems dont have to be an instant failure but rather that they generally decrease their pressure and volume over time (sometimes quicker than others) and eventually cause harm to the VP. Plus they're expensive too. Why spend $150-$200 for a Carter which will likely fail when you can get a FASS DDRP for around $100 more which will likely never have problems. Lifetime replacement warranties are always nice but I prefer the "never have to replace" way of thinking.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I guess you have me leaning back toward the FASS.

What about the Airtex pumps I've seen some people install? Seems to be more akin to the Carter than any kind of upgrade.

 

The Airtex pump is decent. Not "great" but decent. Plenty of people use or tried that pump, but I cant say how popular it is anymore. It's shape doesn't offer the "direct replacement" type fit but I understand its not that hard to get them to stay put.

Whats really odd is that most of these fuel pumps in question are reliable for gasoline fuel but when you toss them in diesel they have reliability problems. Before companies like FASS were making quality diesel fuel pumps people were trying all kinds of brands and setups. Some were more successful than others too. FASS or Fuel Boss are not the only pumps out there either but I would say that the general consensus within all the forums is why experiment. Just get whats already known to work.

 

Something that has been noted in the past is the location of the oem pump on the side of the block, trying to spin while the engine shakes and rattles it. Gassers are smoother and this may cause the oem located diesel pumps to die early.

I'd suggest getting the pump mounted near the tank to push fuel, not draw it.

If you search this there is a ton of thoughts on it.

The extra money I spent on the FASS is long forgotten, while the reliability and performance pay me back every day.

 

I had a Raptor, and now have an Airdog,

My only complaint with the Raptor was the internals and fittings are all steel, when I got water in my fuel system, in addition to cleaning the tank and sending the VP44 for service, I had to throw away the Raptor due to rust.