Rattling noise heard from fuel tank

[Razor-02]

Just registered today. 1996 Ranger 2.3 manual. When the key is in the on position, the fuel pump primes (whining noise). Whenever the truck is idling or when I'm driving, I can hear rattling coming from the fuel tank, about where the fuel pump is. It's been doing this for several months. Is the fuel pump about ready to go out?, or could it be something else? It shouldn't be the exhaust system. If it is a fuel pump problem,how long would I have before it goes? I've many more questions to ask later on.

 

[302_Stranger]

Ive never heard of them rattling before they go out , they could though??? When mine went out it just went out haha..

hmm , my white truck was making a rlly annoying rattling noise when i got it and it sounded like it was behind my seat (nothing was behind the seat) and the tank is like right there behind me and it turned out being the exhaust rattling on its rear hanger hitting the frame..