question for you fuel pump experts...
 

Ok, so the ol' XJ just keeps racking up the miles (getting ready to roll over 160K) and as far as I know, it still has the original pump. I bought it at 120K, and the previous owner didn't mention a new pump, so maybe I'll never know.

Anyway, to get to my point, I'm planning on taking it on a couple long distance trips this year. I had my Bronco II crap a fuel pump out on me once away from home, and I REALLY don't want that to happen again. If it were you guys, would you put a new pump in it as preventative maintainance, or just keep trucking with the original? How long do these things typically last? It shows no signs of getting weak, but just for peace of mind, I want opinions from you folk.

Lastly, anybody ever change a fuel pump on the side of the road? How difficult was it?

If it isn't driving funny, then you will likely be ok. Sometimes they make noise when they are on the edge. The fuel pump that was on my old XJ got to be unbearably loud after driving an hour or so. Most of the time though they won't give much warning of going out. If your Jeep was Pre-96 I would say side of the road job is cake since those are on the front side of the tank. You would have to drop yours since its on the top.

If it's not making noise and the pressure is at 50psi, leave it alone. It is a pain to drop the tank even using a hoist, the side of the road would be a MAJOR PITA. You have to drop the tank on a 99 XJ to replace the pump, and if you have a hitch and skid plate it makes it even more difficult. But if it aint broke, don't fix it.

if it helps my jeep has 172,560 miles still the factory pump

I have a 98 & just changed mine because it had a float problem only & being I wanted to be sure gas gauge was semi accurate along with I had 121 k on jeep & have no idea if it was ever changed either. Other positives out of the peace of mind change is filter in mine was nasty along with being able to clean tank out. It was a PIA to change & I had no hitch on at that time but one on at time of change.