I took the plunge and pulled the in-tank pump assembly.
By trimming about 1/2 inch of sheet metal 3/4 around the existing 5 inch access hole under the rear seat, I was able to remove the fuel tank pump assy without dropping the tank. Not a bad job. The pump attaches to the bottom of the tank by way of a bayonet fitting. Twist counterclockwise and it disengages.
There is a very fine mesh filter on the bottom of the pump. It is a 2.5 inch flat disc. It was pretty much clogged with dried rust residue. Where the rust came from I'll never know. I soaked it with WD40 and then blew it out with compressed air. Put it all back, siliconed a replacement sheet metal ring in place where I trimmed the material to support that 5 inch rubber disc.
Everything seems fine now.
I'll wait and see if the pump holds up.
Keep this in mind if you have to change your pump.
Far easier than dropping the tank and you can do it whatever the gas level.
