I have a '99 CTD box stock engine with external fuel pump. I'm on my fifth fuel pump (139'000) miles. Relocated the fuel pump to the left rear frame closer to the fuel tank. Three pumps failed after the relocation. What year did Dodge go to the in tank pump?
Just purchased a new '07 5. 9L CTD with, as you know, the in tank pump. I'm contemplating putting in a mechanical belt driven pump, GDP or OPIE. In my research regarding these products, they appear to be quite reliable. Carry a spare belt. Also there may be an issue regarding front pump seals and leaks, but it should not leave you stranded. Maybe some others can chime in with their experience. The downside to this aftermarket pump installation seems to be the second fuel pickup tube that needs to be installed in the tank. People are reporting fuel starvation with less than a quarter tank of fuel due to fuel sloshing forward under braking and uncovering the end of the fuel pick up tube, even though the beveled end is at the bottom of the tank. I don't wish to solve one problem and introduce another. If I recall correctly, there seems to be a couple of models of the in-tank pump module. I would like to get hold of a late model in tank pump/module assembly and see if one could mount the pick up tube in such a way as to use the existing baffling to preclude this starvation problem.
It seems to me, in reading these threads and others, that there are very few in-tank fuel pump problems with stock engines. Those with "bombed" engines add the aftermarket pumps to pride the increased fuel flow required of these engines. So we really don't have the data to really know the failure rates of the in-tank pump.
My conclusion is; If you only drive a stock engine truck and don't drive in remote places I think the intank pump will be OK, BUT if you drive in remote place then a secondary pump is wise insurance. Even if it is just plumbed in, but used as a backup. In the last scenario even the 1/4 tank problem would be acceptable. If/when I install my secondary pump I'll most likely use it as the Primary pump and the stock pump would be the backup. Therefore one needs to solve the fuel pick-up problem first. Anyone have a failed late model intank pump module they want to donate for the cause? I'll pay shipping.
The above is just my opinion. I'm not a fluids engineer nor a rocket scientist... But I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.
Regards, Richard