So I had read a thread this past year claiming the aftermarket fuel pumps were collapsing pre filters.

I installed the NAPA one supplied by FASS about a year ago and it has been on my truck til yesterday when I replaced it with the same one. A NAPA Gold 3270 with 3/8" fittings.

I'm reporting that after cutting it open, it was made of rigid, fine metal screen, not paper, which I was told were for gas engines. It was not collapsed and had a small amount of grit inside that probably wasn't enough to warrant changing it out and cutting it open. It had around 10K miles thru it.

The debris may have been from dropping the tank and replacing the factory in tank pump sending module with a stock non in tank pump version. I was surprised to find a virtually clean fuel tank at 134K miles!

I just posted up to let guys know if they are running the correct pre filter, not to worry too much about collapsing issues as the one I mention is pretty stout.....

 

Same here.
I have ran the Same Napa pre filter since 2006. I change out about every year. I know the filter can go longer but its cheap and after all its there for insurance so that something bigger doesn't get sucked into the fass.
I too cut open or at least back flush the filter and I get some small specks almost like fine ground pepper. not much but its there. I have never had any sort of paper like material in those filters.

on a side note a few years ago I noticed that even with a lifted truck changing those filters sucked. I would usually end up with one of my arms taking a fuel bath. and then the LIGHT BULB moment happened
duhh. I started to use my fuel hose clamps. no more leaks except the fuel that is in the filter. wow imagine that. use the correct tools..

 

I dropped my tank when I did my FASS lift pump just for the draw straw install. My tank had enough trash in the bottom to plug up the straw. Mostly the foil seals they put on additive bottles. Just a good idea to drop and clean once in a while.

 

I hear ya on the fuel bath! I placed two small channel locks on either end and still get a wet pit!! Ha ha

As for the foil seals. I lost one into the oil fill on a small block chevy back in High School...I pulled the valve cover that weekend and found it blocking the oil drain hole at the back of the head!!! I hate those things and completely tear them off to this day.