I need to remove my the gas tank on my 99 XJ in order to weld a patch plate onto the unibody frame. I'm wondering if I should be a little proactive since I'll have the tank off .... and replace the fuel pump as well. I've not had any issues with the fuel pump, seems to work fine. But being 25 years old..... maybe I should replace it. Looking for other's thoughts on this. Thanks a lot.

 

How many miles are on it?
Most of not all of the replacement pumps are garbage.
If you are pulling the tank it would be a great time to put in a hatch in the floor so you don't need to pull the tank (97 and later) to replace the pump whenever.

 

Thanks for the reply. Vehicle has 200,000 + miles on it.

 

This is one of those situations where there's no good answer ...IF there was a factory replacement that had a reasonable cost I'd say go for it...But the fact is as stated all replacements are nowhere near the quality of the original part... For me I've replaced some easily bought FACTORY replacement parts but in the case of the fuel pump and the CPS they're staying there until a problem arises...I've been lucky over the years with the mopar fuel pumps...They usually give warning like getting loud and some have gone out and simply beating on the tank itself got it going enough to get me home like a one time free pass...

 

I replaced mine had a bad spot and check valve leaking. Got lucky found a Bosch 67658. Bosch made the OEM ones from what I heard but these are obsolete now.

 

EXASEMECH had the best idea....put in a removable plate so if your high quality stock pump ever goes....replacement is easier

 

There is a person on ebay selling a compatible Bosch pump. I don't think its a perfect match to stock, but apparently it works.

 

We replaced our pump on our ‘97 due to running issues and it made a huge difference. However, I would say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Also, removing the tank to do the job is not that big a deal so don’t worry about doing it down the line if need be.

 

I'm with the guys that said cut a hole in the floor.
Read this starting at Post #27.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/fue...fZ2jYxJvee0uU4

There is one thing in the write up I would change.
Instead of building up the sides to use the panel you cut out I would get a patch panel from a boneyard Jeep.
Bigger then the hole. Figure some rivnuts and molding be good to go.
If and when I ever have to replace mine, or drop the tank, might consider doing this.
Knowing that OEM parts would be harder to find as time went on have a lot things, mostly sensors, in stock.
But was also fortunate enough to pick up a Mopar fuel pump for my '00 for a very reasonable price years back.

 

If it aint broke then don't fix it... you'll likely be resolving the bigger gripe of the task (gas tank strap(s)/hardware and fuel filler hose clamps) soo if you end up with a fuel pump issue in the future - you've already refreshed the problem areas as it is soo the tank removal then won't be as much a pain.

 

That is the best way to do it.