96 4x4, auto, 126k miles, 9" total lift, 33x12.50's
So I am driving down the road, come to a stop and the engine dies. Starts right back up, dies at the next stop, repeat all the way home. When it dies in the drive way at home I leave the key on and hop out and hear the whine of the fuel pump, high pitched, much louder than normal, for a good few seconds then quits. Get back in and starts right up and idles fine, go for a drive and it dies at the next stop. During all of this stalling the fuel gauge is acting up too. Sometimes 1/4 tank, sometimes empty. No, its not empty, not full but does have around 1/4 tank in it.
Prior to all of this stalling, she was a hard starter, you would have to let the fuel pump cycle when you turned the key on and it would still take a few good cranks to get her going.

So I assume its the fuel pump. Everyone agree? My question is, I have a 3 inch body lift and 6" suspension and can get to the top of the fuel tank, can actually see it pretty good too. Can I get the pump out of there with that clearance or will I have to drop the tank? Also, any aftermarket brands of fuel pump you guys recommend? Or is just OEM or OEM equiv?

I rescued this thing from an impound yard at a towing company. I put the superlift upper control arms on it, ball joints, brakes all the way around, u joints, rear axles bearings and seals, front halfshafts, and some other minor stuff. Rebuilt salvage title, but its just going to be winter driver and weekend toy.

Thanks in advance.

 

The fuel pump is quite tall (actually a bit taller than the tank itself). I do not think you will have enough room to pull it out with a 3" BL.

Before you go replacing the fuel pump, get yourself a fuel pressure gauge and check the pressure to see if it is dropping out, causing your problems. Stalling when coming back to idle can be caused by a LOT of things.

 

What range should the pressure fall in?

 

Anywhere above 50psi while running. You need 55-60psi to start.

 

Thanks for the quick replies, I'll check it out this weekend.

 

Figured it out. Put the guage on it and and had to crank and crank to get to just 20 psi. Looked at the gauge it was just under quarter tank. Got underneath and tapped on the tank sounded empty. Put 3 gallons in it, cranked for two seconds and shot up to 55 psi. Went to gas station and put 12 more gallons in it. Turns out my guage doesnt work and she was empty, hard to believe I made it home. Being the first tank I have ran through this thing since I have owned it and since the rebuild I had no idea the gauge didnt work or the miles I could expect to go, turns out I get 13 MPG with the 33x12.50's.

Thanks for all your help, so glad I am not replacing a fuel pump today.

 

Well, that would do it...