Mechanical Fuelpump question

In searching old threads I found posts that noted the 70-73 Econoline with power steering inverted fuelpump was not actually necessary. However there was no mention of what style pump was used and if it could be installed or removed with the engine in the chassis.

I ask for two reasons #1 right now I'm having difficulty locating a quality swap type pump available for purchase without a month's wait and #2 I'd rather a more common or rebuildable piece in case of a failure on the road.

I did an intro with more details but basically I'm cleaning up an 83 2wd that was previously 302 swapped and making a few changes to use it as a daily shop truck. I'm in a tight spot and need to get her back on the road ASAP so I'd greatly appreciate any leads or information that might save me some time.
* Edit My thought was to try an Edelbrock style pump which can have the base indexed to reposition the inlet/outlet. These are rather shallow but larger in diameter than factory based designs.

Thanks, Dan

Watch out for your front belt drive clearance too.

I have a Mr Gasket 12S electric pump in mine, I had no room for a mechanical even before I went to the Explorer belt drive system. They were around $40 (7 years ago when I did the swap) and in stock at the local O'Reilly's.

I would also suggest an electric pump.

Pump

Thanks guys but I've always had longer life out of a mechanical pump so whenever possible I use them in street applications. For something wilder or driven less, sure but on this part of why I like the truck is that everything is simple and mechanical.

I actually have a "mighty mite" pump on it now which is the basis of the small Mr Gasket/Holley electric pumps you find at chain stores. Same pump just no flashy package or molded color cover. We use the low pressure model on VW sandrails and such when the provision for a fuel pump is blocked by an aftermarket distributor or if a late model EFI block is used. It's rather bullet proof and quiet to be fair but when they do go out there is little if any warning. Just pop it's dead and you're stuck... I'm also not interested in listening to another Holley rotor pump unless it's in something loud /serious enough to drown out the whine. No different than any cruise night where all you hear are electric fans and fuel pumps instead of the lope of the cam these days.

FWIW Advance Adapters has the replacement type inverted pump in stock at $89 and shipping. I also finally found a guy at NAPA that understood what I was after. $58 plus $20-$30 shipping from the West coast...5 days out if you need one. It sounds like that's the easy way out but I'd still like to know if a regular pump of any style will work, mostly so I could get something rebuildable. If no one chimes in here I'll report back so maybe it helps the next guy.

*Also in regards to the belt clearance issue could you be more specific for future reference? Most of my Ford 289/302 stuff has been Vbelt Falcon, Mustang, Fairlane etc. but I've had one early 5.0 and installed a few aftermarket serpentine sets with short waterpumps without an issue other than needing to index the inlet/outlet, reroute lines or use 90degree fittings.

Thanks, Dan

There are some setups that move the accessories around that might interfere with a pump pointed to the front.

With the Explorer setup I don't even have provisions in the timing cover for the pump, the cover is tight enough to the engine the eccentric had to be removed from the cam.

85_Ranger4x4 said:

There are some setups that move the accessories around that might interfere with a pump pointed to the front.

With the Explorer setup I don't even have provisions in the timing cover for the pump, the cover is tight enough to the engine the eccentric had to be removed from the cam.

Click to expand...

I'm using mostly Towncar parts on the 64, with a carb front cover, and I had to cut down the eccentric to make it fit.