2003 Fuel lift pump

[EgorEmery]

I have a 2003 with 194K on the clock which I have owned since 5K. I have managed to not kill it yet but I am about out of luck with the replacement on filter lift pump, no problem known, its just due. I rebuilt my NV4500 myself some years ago, so I have a foolish opinion of my abilities, but I don't know which way to go on the pump replacement: mopar in tank or fass drp04 with the relocation kit, or roll the dice with another original type. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[BigPapa]

The in-tank is the way to go.

 

[AH64ID]

X2 on the in-tank, unless you’re well over 500rwhp it’s the best option.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

A DRP is a decent option if you want to run an external filter assembly or even to the factory bowl. My 03 had one when I picked it up at 207K.

 

[AH64ID]

A DRP is a decent option if you want to run an external filter assembly or even to the factory bowl. My 03 had one when I picked it up at 207K.

The DRP just hasn't received as good of a reputation as the OEM in-tank.

The OEM in-tank has no issues with external filter assemblies.

 

[bcbender]

no issues on over 150k with the intank on the 04... was replaced early on and as far as I know still going.

 

[EgorEmery]

Thanks to all. I have ordered the mopar kit.

 

[CharlesinGA]

I installed the in tank Mopar kit earlier this year. I did have an issue with the pump seal slipped down on one side and leaked, ended up draining about 15 gals and pulling it and repositioning it, but that was my fault, working by myself and trying to hold the pump down in place against spring pressure and starting the nut at the same time.

I am yet to get the computer re-programmed as the instructions call out. The dealer nearby with the DRBIII system claims it has a broken cable and was unable to do it and is not interested in repairing it.... sheesh! He recommended another dealer about an hour away, so I need to get with them. The fuel gauge will be off with the installation of the new pump, but I have become used to it now.

Be aware you have to access a connector that is behind the LH wheel well shroud, so you will need to remove it. 8ea 5/16 hex head screws. reinstall them by had to avoid stripping them and you will be OK. There are two "christmas tree" cable holders that you need to find and push back thru FIRST. One is down low just aft of the upper control arm (if 2WD) and it is for the anti lock sensor wire. The other is up higher near the middle and it a retainer for the throttle cable, which runs from the pedal to the position sensor on the bottom of the fuse box.

As an alternative, you could buy a replacement fuel pump and hose, keep the proper allen wrench with you and just be prepared to change the lift pump when it fails.

Charles

 

[verk]

I heard that Carter had reliability issues with some of the OE lift pumps ( aka transfer pump ) in these trucks. Mine failed at approx. 80k if memory serves. Supposedly these issues were solved in later revisions to pump. The way it was presented to me by more experienced is that this pump is adequate for stock power. It doesn't run as cool as in tank obviously, but it's also very easy to replace when it fails. Of course everything has changed when this generation of truck was manufactured and I have no idea whether the actual Carter pumps are still available, but I'm confident in mine that has 120k and at least 10 years.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Yes, they are still available and easy to replace... expect when it is -10 out which is when mine failed back in February on my 04. It was much easier to replace the last time it failed when it was 70 degrees!

 

[verk]

Yes, they are still available and easy to replace... expect when it is -10 out which is when mine failed back in February on my 04. It was much easier to replace the last time it failed when it was 70 degrees!

Curious how many miles on the pump when it failed ?

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Curious how many miles on the pump when it failed ?

I don't remember the exact mileage, but I believe it was about 80k and 10 years. This is the 3rd pump in the truck since I bought it new in 04.

 

[verk]

I don't remember the exact mileage, but I believe it was about 80k and 10 years. This is the 3rd pump in the truck since I bought it new in 04.

Thanks. Did you get about the same from the pump that came new on the truck ?

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Yes, about that. I would say I have 60k - 80k on each of them.

 

[verk]

Yes, about that. I would say I have 60k - 80k on each of them.

Thanks for the info. Perhaps it makes sense for me to start carrying a spare as CharlesinGA suggested below.

As an alternative, you could buy a replacement fuel pumps and hose, keep the proper allen wrench with you and just be prepared to change the lift pump when it fails.

 

[verk]

TDR article below reminds me of the inline fuel filter that came with these kits which I've not changed since installing this pump. I wonder what it's filtration rating is, perhaps it's just a strainer and not really a filter ? Sure I'm not doing the pump any favors having it there if it's actually a filter.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/tdrarticles/tdrarticle60_fuelpumpsaga.html

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

That's what I do now. Both times it failed, it was close to home thankfully.

The 2nd kit I got was from a local parts store without the filter as there were backorders through Genos at the time. I'm not sure the inline filter made much of a difference given the mileage each pump lasted.

 

[AH64ID]

Why wouldn’t you just convert to the in-tank pump? Nowhere near the issues, especially every 80K miles.

 

[verk]

Why wouldn’t you just convert to the in-tank pump? Nowhere near the issues, especially every 80K miles.

When on my death bed I'll acknowledge that it was a wiser choice. For now I'm having more fun learning by watching things fail. Also avoiding dropping the tank because things are never as easy as everybody says.

 

[AH64ID]

When on my death bed I'll acknowledge that it was a wiser choice. For now I'm having more fun learning by watching things fail. Also avoiding dropping the tank because things are never as easy as everybody says.

Never dropped the tank on my 3rd Gen, but I did swap the OEM tank out on my ‘18. It’s very much as easy as everyone says.