Fuel Pump

[Dojunim]

Hello: New to this forum and thanks for the acceptance. Hope I'm in the right spot. Issues with my 1997 Ford Ranger 4.0 4wd. 205,000 miles and LOVE my truck.
When I start in the morning or even after it has sat about 8 hours if I don't turn the ignition on and sit for 20 - 30 seconds and just start and go the engine bucks on acceleration for about 3 miles. I have changed the IAC, the TPS, wires, plugs, gas filter and cleaned the sensor behind the air filter. Some times it can a week between episodes and right now its as described. I was told it is most likely the fuel pump. I do not have hoist capability or money to have it changed professionally.

Three questions
1. AM I on the right track?
2. I saw a video on removing the rear bed as an easier way to change pump. ???
3. Old days we added a secondary inline pump under the hood. Is that viable?

 

[Dirtman]

Putting the key to the run position for 20-30 seconds doesn't do anything, the fuel pump only runs for 2 seconds before the engine starts turning over.

Next time take the key and turn it run, wait a few seconds and turn it back to the off position and repeat that process 3 or 4 times and see what happens.

Fuel pressure can leak down after the engine sits so it requires the fuel pump to "prime". This is not always a sign of a bad fuel pump however. And with an issue with leak down the problem would result in only a slightly longer than normal starting time and then go away.

Only way to diagnose the issue is to test. Need to test the fuel pressure and scan the vehicle to check of codes.