Fuel pump

Actually removing the pump is easy. It's dropping the tank that may take a little time. With some pickups it might be easier to remove the bed rather than remove the tank. That may not apply in this case?

If you have to drop the tank, you drain the tank first. Take negative battery cable loose. Make sure there is no pressure on the fuel system. Take all lines loose from the tank, electrical--gas lines--evap line-- filler tube, whatever. If you don't have a lift, use a floor jack to support tank. Take straps loose, lower the tank. I use a brass drift to take the locking ring loose for the fuel pump. Installation is the reverse of removal. Replace sock filter and inline fuel filter. When you install the pump, make sure the float can work freely.

I don't know how much trouble you went to? I wouldn't go into that without replacing the pump, if original, and the filter sock. Also, inspect the inside of tank.

I'm glad you got it going your way.