Extra filter on 99 flex fuel pump

[Briantheranger]

So I’m replacing the fuel pump on my 99 3.0 V6 flex fuel. I noticed on my original fuel pump there is an extra filter, but on the new pump I just bought it’s not there. Is this filter necessary? If so where can I find a new one? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Brain75]

AK Ranger also has a '99 3.0L Flex, and here is a pic of his sending unit he pulled and fixed, it has the Ford oval on the "rubber" (?viton?) hose.... so would say quite factory - an extra piece of plumbing like yours only looks different.

If you find a Ford oval anywhere on yours I would say fix what you have, the quality of aftermarket is terrible - very probably you will get something worse than what you have if you have OEM. That said, test the "filter" and if it seems to be a filter and flows decent leave it.