Fuel pump replacement

[Steven Petersen]

My next project is going to be fixing my fuel gauge. Since I need to get at the sender I will replace the fuel pump while I’m at it. It’s the original pump on this 88 350. I’ve done this twice in the 90’s, both times I dropped the tank. Everything I’ve heard is that removing the bed is much easier so I think I’ll try that route. Dropping the tank was a total ***** as I recall. Any tips or tricks to removing the bed? Also, I see people recommend switching to a vortec fuel pump? Is it plug and play?

 

[10mm Nut]

I don't fully pull the bed. Just remove the drivers side bolts and loosen the passenger side bolts way up. Then lift the bed up and have someone stick a jackstand between the bed and frame to prop it up. Then you have plenty of room to work.

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[Dravec]

^^THIS^^

Easiest fuel pump replacement ever.

And I don't really know about a Vortec pump, but a TPI Camaro/Firebird pump is a direct swap at higher pressure.

 

[Steven Petersen]

I don't fully pull the bed. Just remove the drivers side bolts and loosen the passenger side bolts way up. Then lift the bed up and have someone stick a jackstand between the bed and frame to prop it up. Then you have plenty of room to work.

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Even better!

 

[Steven Petersen]

^^THIS^^

Easiest fuel pump replacement ever.

And I don't really know about a Vortec pump, but a TPI Camaro/Firebird pump is a direct swap at higher pressure.

Thanks

 

[Steven Petersen]

I don't fully pull the bed. Just remove the drivers side bolts and loosen the passenger side bolts way up. Then lift the bed up and have someone stick a jackstand between the bed and frame to prop it up. Then you have plenty of room to work.

You must be registered for see images attach

I notice the bumper is off in your pic. Does the bumper or anything else need to be removed? Or just loosen the passenger side and remove driver side bed bolts?

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Also, I see people recommend switching to a vortec fuel pump? Is it plug and play?

Yes, the EP381 (Vortec) is a direct replacement. It'll give you a little more volume and pressure than the EP241 (TPI) I'm sure you know but, don't forget the suction sock and fuel filter too. Plus make sure your grounds are all clean.

We did the same thing with the bed, just used a 2X4 to prop it up.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Does the bumper or anything else need to be removed? Or just loosen the passenger side and remove driver side bed bolts?

Yes, fuel filler neck, vent tube, and tail light wiring harness.

Edit: bumper stays where it is.

 

[10mm Nut]

I just had the bumper off because I was replacing it with a new one. You can leave it in place though. That's the beauty of not completely removing all of the passenger side bolts is the bed won't shift so easily and scuff your paint on the bumper or cab.

 

[Steven Petersen]

Yes, the EP381 (Vortec) is a direct replacement. It'll give you a little more volume and pressure than the EP241 (TPI) I'm sure you know but, don't forget the suction sock and fuel filter too. Plus make sure your grounds are all clean.

We did the same thing with the bed, just used a 2X4 to prop it up.

I was thinking on the old ones I’ve changed, the sending unit and fuel pump were a single unit. Am I mistaken?