What have you done to your square lately??

[Redfish]

I truly think @bucket is right about the pump.
I will add that since you mentioned the PO installed new pumps the two things I would be focused on would be:
1. What brand of pump did he install vs. what you are installing.
2. The ground wire connection which I know you are already concerned about and @Strick has been good enough to provide pics of.

 

[Grit dog]

No if I were to take the truck to a mechanic at a garage to work on it is what I meant but I get what your saying, which is why I am running around buying all the stuff I need to do the next project for the truck without asking permission. I will be asking forgiveness. Oh, and I cook dinner too. Lol.

Hahaha yeah @Redfish got a little wired at the misunderstanding.
To your point, yes if one cannot tackle a lot of stuff on their own, old vehicles get very expensive. You’re on the right track. Always hard to judge what someone’s proficiency or resources are. Things I take for granted like a sawzall not everyone has.
You’re not mucking up this thread but if it made ya feel better, just start a thread for your truck.
Unfortunately I don’t think the pump is the issue if it runs good at higher loads.Fuel Pumps don’t generally put out sporadic pressure. They’re either fine, dying (usually quickly) or dead. Not intermittent.
Back to the exhaust.
IMO either it’s disassemble enough to fish the cat out of there. It’s been apart before. That’s what the “aftermarket” slices are in the bell ends. To get it loose enough to go over the crimped section. But if you cut it, look first to make sure where you want to cut it. Do you want to save all of the pipe on either end with a shorter replacement piece or cut the crimp off or those pipes resulting in a longer replacement (only 4-5” longer).
Good luck man!

 

[Grit dog]

If @bucket thinks it’s your pump (on the good side) I wonder why.
And @Redfish recalled both your pumps are new(er).
Seems like you’re throwing parts before diagnosing both tanks/pumps etc. or is the other tank leaking anyway and has to come down regardless?
fuel pressure. Is easy test.
Non working pump and or switch or wiring, I’d diagnose that first before tearing in with the demolition tools and creating another side project (cat/exh pipe) that will also be time consuming for you.
JMO with what I know about the issue again or still.

 

[Mr Clean]

Started the driverside rear section. Not done still have to finish the welding, but it's in a good place.

 

[mxer147]

Installed the rear wheel moldings. Cleaned up more old overspray blue paint, this time in the gas filler mounts.