On my first '01 I had a relocated fuel pump and pressure gauge, and on a road trip through the boondocks of eastern Oregon the lift pump began losing pressure and ultimately died. I should have stopped right there, but not wanting to be stranded I kept on driving hoping I'd make it to civilization of some sort. After about 15 miles I began losing power, and the truck got weaker and weaker by the mile. But I kept driving. Finally it was so low on power (25-30mph tops by now) I gave up and left the truck by the side of the road.
Next day a friend helped retrieve my truck, we hooked up a tow strap and he pulled me 70 miles. Most of the way I had the key on and engine in gear spinning over so I'd have steering and brakes, which meant the VP44 was spinning over with no fuel supply.
After all that VP44 abuse one new lift pump and I was back in business. Drove the truck another 30,000 miles without a single hickup before selling it, new owner went another 20k with no problems last I knew.