The fuel pump in the Dakota had to be replaced, to make it run again.

Most modern vehicles share a design decision that was made to help the assembly line, and not the mechanic. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, which requires the removal of the tank to replace the unit.

This is where the pump resides: After the tank is dropped, this is a top view on the tank where the fuel pump and sending unit lives. The pump is right here. The ring around the perimeter is the seal that keeps water out, and fuel in.

The job looked bad to begin with:

The tank was tucked up inside the truck frame for protection, this is where the fight begins.

The connection removal begins: Hoses need to be removed first.

And more hoses: These hoses must be marked to ensure proper reassembly.

Fuel pump electrical must be disconnected: This connector supplies power to the pump and returns the sensor readings for tank levels.

The pump assembly: This is the most complex pump assembly I've ever seen, including a condensation coil similar too a moonshine still! The entire unit has corrosion from tank condensation covering it; and must be cleaned carefully.

Fuel pump is removed and tests as a bad part: This pump read 750 ohms which is way too high for any fuel pump, so I ordered a new one!

Got it: Right pump

Unpacked and installed: BTW, it read good on my meter, before I reassembled the unit.

Back in the tank and connected: Hookup verified and tightened up. This is just before we raised the tank back on the fuel tank support straps.

Ready to come down off the jacks: She started first try...nice to have a new fuel pump!

Had to reset the idle speed to the new fuel pump pressure, it came up at 2500 rpm initially. We turned it down to about 700 rpm.

I drove it today: It ran well for a short drive! I pulled it back into the driveway nose first. It still needs some tweaking, but she drove for the first time in a decade! We're getting close....

💗🤠💙👍