Truck Idles great, runs rough

[RedHunter2486]

I have a '97 f-250 460 gas that I drive a handful times a month, The front tank doesn't work though i was told the pump was replaced before i bought it (have receipt). The front tank not working has never bothered me too much i just use the truck occasionally to pull a trailer to the dump,yard work and to get firewood. The other day i was driving home and the truck started to lurch (while using the rear fuel tank,the working one) i thought the fuel pump was going out so i got home and decided to start with changing the fuel filter which was way over due, changed the plugs and wires too just to make sure all the cylinders were firing. Started it up after i did the maintenance and it idled like a champ, thought problem solved-parked the truck then a couple days later went back out started the truck for a dump run and it idled great, as soon as i put it in gear and started driving it was lurching so bad i didn't get out of the driveway, its not dying but i think if i drove it the way its lurching it would damage somthing else on the truck and my neck probaly. I have a volt meter that i've never used but thats about it for diagnostic tools, would be willing to by a diagnostic tool for the truck as i plan on keeping her for a while. Any suggestions, changed the pump relay fuse already too-had one in the garage?

 

[RedHunter2486]

Situation update, got a fuel pressure gauge and found out it seems to be running lean, idling @28ish PSI peaking up to 30 PSI in gear- my chiltons book says it should be at 40 PSI any thoughts? First thought is the fuel pump but i'm not sure, if it could be a cheaper/more easily replaced part i'd prefer to start there... Thanks for reading guys!
PS. The pressure rose rapidly (to about 37) after it was shut off before i bled it off to disconnect the gauge

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Start with a fuel pressure regulator. It's on the back side of the top of the motor. You should be running between 38-43 psi.

Ryan

 

[RedHunter2486]

It was the fuel pump after all, got her changed out today, having a hard time getting the outer fuel hose (coming from the gas cap)around the entrance of the fuel tank, really fed up- I can't reach it to adjust it when its in, and i can't hold the tank up at the right angle to put it on as i'm raising the tank into place. Thinking about cutting a hole in the bed so i can adjust it while the tank is in place?

 

[Beach66Bum]

It was the fuel pump after all, got her changed out today, having a hard time getting the outer fuel hose (coming from the gas cap)around the entrance of the fuel tank, really fed up- I can't reach it to adjust it when its in, and i can't hold the tank up at the right angle to put it on as i'm raising the tank into place. Thinking about cutting a hole in the bed so i can adjust it while the tank is in place?

I would unbolt the bed and raise it if need be, it's not hard to do. I would never cut a hole in the bed!!! JMO

can you get someone to help?

 

[RedHunter2486]

i did cut a small hole in the bed to adjust the fuel tube, a friend of mine said he changed a fuel pump just by cutting a whole in the bed above the tank and after dropping the tank and fighting ruusty bolts it does seem to be the easier way, threw a peice of thin plywood on top of the tank-cut a small square-welded back up and put the bedliner back in. guess if i had a spray on liner it woudn't be as easy- thanks for the help guys! been reading alot of the threads on here and this a great resource. It seems everytime I have to work on a vehicle its when i have to use it so i never get much enjoyment from mechanic work- maybe i'll get another ford p/u just as a hobby