Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) easiest way to remove lift pump

[MJaynes]

hi,mike here from w. n. c. I'm getting ready to install vulcan big line lift pump relocation kit.

old pump is finally starting to go... figured i would relocate while i was at it.

Question is, what is the easiest way to remove old pump? Looks kinda hard to get at with my big hands and stiff back. Is it better to remove fuel filter canister? Any tips appreciated. thanks-mike

 

[RBeard]

Mike, I worked from the top and worked down from there. Takes long extensions to reach the 3 nuts on pump top,then under truck for rest. Took me 2 hrs to complete all. Mines 4wd and I had to mount pump more forward than I wanted because of X-member and driveshaft.

 

[Ncostello]

Mike... there is no easy answer in my opinion. When I took mine off (and off and on and off) I found there was a little I did from the top and a little from underneath. Most of what I did was from the top while standing on a solid platform to get some extra reach. You kinda have to look at it... then reach down there and do it without being able to exactly see what your touching.



Removing the cannister isn't necessary... but if it looks like it might make your work easier... its not too hard to do either. Just some more time.



Not sure if the relocation kit will help the pump live longer. It won't hurt anything. Just make it easier to get to later. Thats about it. I made my own, that looked identical to the Vulcan kit, several years ago. But it didn't do anything to make the pump last longer, pump more, run quieter, or such.

 

[Gordon Maney]

I believe you will find others here disagree, but I find the most enjoyable way to do it is to remove the fuel filter canister. Sure, you can reach around it, but I find it to be less frustrating and irritating overall to remove the filter.

 

[RAndrae]

be able to dislocate a few fingers and one elbow and do the removal by feel only.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I believe you will find others here disagree, but I find the most enjoyable way to do it is to remove the fuel filter canister. Sure, you can reach around it, but I find it to be less frustrating and irritating overall to remove the filter.

I did not remove the canister but did unbolt and pull out of the way. It worked easier for me anyways.

 

[wb6tkr]

Lay a old blanket over the engine. Put on a long sleeve shirt and lay on engine. I found it very easy to reach down and remove fuel line and screws holding it to the bracket. You can remove the fuel filter canister, but it is easy to reach down and change it without doing that Took me less than 45 minutes. After watching the mechanic at the Dodge dealer change it, The next one I did it myself.

 

[Ncostello]

I don't ever recall being in pain or hurting during removal. Just some reaching which is made easier if you have a good solid platform to get you up a little higher. I'm 6'-1" which isn't exactly NBA tall... but I can generally reach things without a stand.

 

[wb6tkr]

What pain? the long shirt is to keep you from scratching up your arm. When you get as old as I am, you bleed easily. Ha!

 

[MJaynes]

thanks all, i'm gonna try to get on this in the morning... maby it will go alright.

thanks for the tips-mike

 

[MJaynes]

Hi all, got the lines put on,pump relocated. No drama at all... easier than it looked. Pressure is now 14+ at idle,about 12-13 at cruise and have not seen below 10 at w. o. t. . A whole lot better for now. Thanks for the help-mike

 

[JCyrbok]

I always did mine from the top and never had to move anything else. Just make sure that you remove the inlet/outlet lines and un plug the electrics first as it is a PITA to try to pop the clips free when the pump is dangling from the lines, LOL (I learned that one quick after the first time I made the mistake).



J-