Like other recent posts, now I am concerned with the summer vacation towing time in front of us. So, I have a few questions: Is there any warning signs to watch out for before they poop out? How expensive are they? Would it be worth buying one to keep with the truck for insurance? Does my Edge make any difference to the pump? Thanks in advance for the input....

 

If the truck seems to fall flat on it's face and then pick back up again, that's a pretty sure sign that the VP is dead. Hard starting when warm is also another sign. Check codes occasionally and if you see the P0216 code, then you know that your VP is on it's way to the graveyard. Also, you can go to dodge and have them check the VP pump. They have some sort of electrical connector that checks it.

 

Probably ought to put a fuel pressure gauge on the truck, didn't notice one in your signature. Won't exactly tell you if the VP is gonna crash, but will tell you about the health of the lift pump, which if it is bad, will sooner or later lead to a dead VP.

Matt

 

One good thing is you have a 2000. The 2000's is the yr to have a VP from.The 98-99s had trouble,and a lot of 01-02s as well.But you seldom see a 2000 have a problem with a VP44. Mine is at 93K still strong with a drag comp on it for 50K,and i am not easy on it!Also i run 31-35PSI at idle fuel pressure. I have 2 freinds with 2000s on has over 200K 120K with a blue chip box,pump is fine,and original,other only has 60K with original pump.

 

There are a few signs like mine which is a 02 with 65k on it , Mine is dead but has 9 lives i think , Like Bigblue said the truck will fall on its face, Mine does it all the time , also Like gsdog said you need a fuel pressure gauge so you can keep an eye on the pressure from the lift pump, The Edge box is ok and wont hurt it ,
Keep your filter changed and you should be ok , A spare pump is kinda pricey to keep around Lowest ive seen is around 1800.00 , on ebay .I took mine to the dealer and they wont replace it until its towed in.