Do I need to prime the oil pump?

[locovaca]

I took on a project Ranger and took it down to the frame. It's been a 7 month project and the engine needed a bit of work (Timing Chain, Oil Pan Gasket), and it's been on a stand drained of all fluids for almost the entire time. I'm getting ready to finish. Since it's been so long since it was run, do I need to treat it like a complete rebuild and prime the pump? If so, can I get away with just using the starter method or should I run out and rent one that goes down the distributor hole?

 

[RangerSVT]

The whole reason for primin gan engine is to prelube the engine prior to startup, using the starter to prime will cause damage...All you need is a 5/16 socket and 1/4 drive extension, just make sure you are priming in the right direction...
SVT