I have a friend with a 98 12 valve. His fuel pump is going out. He wants to put a stock pump back on for $500.00 (includes labor). I told him to get a lifetime pump from one of the three big guns. Are the fuel pumps on the 12 valves as bad as the 24 valves?

NOOO, mine is stock with 320k on it. They hardly ever go out. They are mechanical and driven off a cam so they are pretty bulletproof. I have no idea how much they cost. I do think they wear out after time and aren't able to deliver as much fuel, seeing as how I used to be able to black out anything and now I have trouble even producing any black smoke They do need some lube from fuel to make them last longer, thats where a dab of 2 stroke will help every now and then.

Is there any thing that you have to do special while changing the pump out? Is it as simply bolting the new one one and priming it?

Yep, make sure you clean all the mating surfaces real good.

You can get a new lift pump for $146 or so at O'Riellys or you can get one at Pure Diesel Power for $89

Any one try the fuel pump from Pure Diesel Power? Seems like a low ball price! All the ones that I have seen are at the $150 price range. Thanks for the info!