96 sport, long story short, i replaced the fuel pump with one given to me by a friend (came from a 91 wrangler) because mine kept blowing the 30a fuse under the hood that was for the ignition coil, o2 sensors, and fuel pump.
swapped out the pumps, no more fuse popping and the truck seems to be running normal. first- when i put the fuel module back in the tank (i didnt drop the tank for this) it was kinda hard to get it to sit flush and the lockring that holds it in place is not tight and gas drips down the tank. i will take care of this probably tomorrow.
second, it takes several seconds of cranking to get it to fire and start up. it seems to be getting longer every time i start it.
i dont know if this is related to a behavior it was exhibiting prior to the pump replacement, where when cold, would take a couple seconds to start. once warm, the engine would fire almost as soon as it was cranked.

ive done lots of maintinence recently - new plugs, wires, rotor, cap, ignition coil, iac valve, fuel pump and filter

im not sure where to start, besides tightening the lockring

 

That leak you are experiencing can cause a drop in fuel pressure that will leave you with "extended crank" times, so yes, that will have to be resolved. Did you use a new gasket? If not, you must do so.

I'd do a new gasket and snug it up and see where you're at after that.

 

Mine is not bolt on with a gasket, its a lockring with an o ring. It looked to be in good shape, is it essential to replace it? I think it will b fine once i seat it properly and tighten the lockring

 

if your leaking fuel that is where your pressure is escaping...fix the leak and the startup should crank less

 

X2! That's a pretty rough, exposed environment for the rubber circle dealie - knowing jeeps, if you don't replace it now you will likely be taking it apart to replace it soon so might as well since you'll have it apart. I think the thing is only a few bucks. just my 2c!

 

Ill get a new o ring if i can find one on stock locally, butbim not to concerned cuz ill prob b doing a new tank or possibly a fuel cell soon