Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lift pump experience

[sgf]

It doesn't take much time reading TDR magazine or on the Web to figure out a lift pump replacement is a top priority. I have a stock 2001 3500 that I bought with 53,000 miles. I have about 56,000 now and I don't want to wait too long to replace the original lift pump. I read a magazine ad for an Airdog Factory replacement Raptor pump (FRRP). It appeals to me because it seems a simple remove and replace option with the stock pump.



Does anyone have an opinion on this style pump compared to other available styles and brands? I plan to keep the truck stock.

 

[twheat]

I don't have any experience with the FRRP's but I have an Airdog 150 on my 02 now and so far its been great, I'm seeing 17-18psi fuel pressure at idle. I helped install 3 more on buddies trucks this weekend and the quality of the Airdog product is great. I'd highly recommend their products. I prefer the units that come with filters because you get better filtration. The filters I have on mine are 2 micron rating.

 

[ChrisOlson]

FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE FIRST. find your base line Genoes has a great set up

 

[ALoehr]

240K on my truck and it is on its 3rd lift pump, the original Cummins ISB lift pumps by Carter. If you want to pay too much for a lift pump go ahead, but you may be better off just monitoring your fuel pressure and replacing OE pumps when they go bad, and 100k on a lift pump isn't too bad for a pump that costs $100

 

[Chief USA]

It doesn't take much time reading TDR magazine or on the Web to figure out a lift pump replacement is a top priority. I have a stock 2001 3500 that I bought with 53,000 miles. I have about 56,000 now and I don't want to wait too long to replace the original lift pump. I read a magazine ad for an Airdog Factory replacement Raptor pump (FRRP). It appeals to me because it seems a simple remove and replace option with the stock pump.



Does anyone have an opinion on this style pump compared to other available styles and brands? I plan to keep the truck stock.

My wife's truck is stock. I would strongly recommend that you replace the stock fuel lines from the tank up to the VP-44 with the Vulcan 1/2 Big Line Kit



Draw Straw II 1/2 in. draw tube and 1/2 in. pushlock fitting



This kit not only increases the ID of the fuel line to 1/2 inch but reloactes the fuel pump to the frame of the truck just below and in front of the fuel tank where is belongs.



My first suggestion if money permits is to go with the Air Dog 150 or 165. IF this is not possible go with the Airtex replacement pump and install the in cab fuel pressure gauge using the steering wheel pod.



Steering Column Pod 98-07 Dodge



These are VERY simple and easy to install. No cutting just route your gauge lines and add a push lock pressure tee fitting to take fuel pressure directly off of the fuel lines in the engine compartment.



ISSPRO EV fuel pressure Kit



If you have any questions about the install, I am sure Eric or one of his of his staff will be more than happy to go over any questions as well as make good suggestions.



Should be all you need. The wife didn't want any of the those "gauge thingies" that confuse her but I got her to go along with the fuel pressure guage. When the pressure starts to fall off, she tells me and I replace the filter. I use the Baldwin PF7977 fuel filters which do a little better job than the Fleetguard filters and they are a LOT cheaper.



Driving your truck with no fuel gauge especially with a Carter style OEM fuel pump is like play Russian Roulete with 4 bullets in the chamber. Anytime your fuel pressure is below 12 psi, your VP-44 is NOT happy. Best to keep the fuel pressure at or above 15 psi all the time.

 

[sgf]

ALoehr, I like to save money but I wonder how I will feel on a Sunday evening five hours from home pulling a draft horse trailer when the gauge tells me I have problems. Maybe your saying it gives enough advance notice that I wouldn't have that issue. If that is the case I may rethink my plan but my previous reading never led me to that conclusion.