Quick question for Hutch Modders. Just pulled the tank on my 01 Ex (plastic tank) after experiencing missing and loss of power to find the fuel boot in pieces. Bits and pieces of the boot up in the suction line above the boot. Planning the Hutch Mod (Dahl 100 on order and putting other bits and pieces together). BUT... Is there any negative to just leaving the fuel boot off (presuming the pickup is spaced adequately close to tank bottom)? I see how the boot prevents large foreign particles from entering the 3/8" line, but in 14 years the only large particle it had to prevent from entering the 3/8" line... IT DIDN'T -- it was part of the boot itself.
I know that Guzzle' page shows the OEM boot, but is it necessary... especially with a pre-pump filter like the 100?
Thoughts?

 

Most of us (including me) extended the metal tube to go to just about the screen of the pick up boot. I opted to install a new boot simply because I wanted the added filter protection that the screen provided.

Theoretically as long as you have a pre-pump filter of some sort, the boot really isn't required as long as the tube extends far enough to pick up fuel. Although, there is the very rare chance of getting something in the tank that may plug your pickup tube, but you have nearly as good a chance as winning the lottery.

It comes down to what you are comfortable with running on your truck.

 

I have "won the lottery" recently........ There cheap enough. That's all I have to add

 

I like having the foot, umbrella, whatever ya call it in there. With it you can put the foot right on the bottom and get the last drops of fuel. I rarely go under 1/4 tank, but if I need it, I want every drop. Without the foot the tube must have more distance from the bottom, depending on how accurately you measure and cut the tube. Last reason is if the tank gets moderately smooshed from the bottom the foot will flex while the tube might get bent.

None of these are real big deals, I'll grant ya that. A matter of preference. And if the foot in my truck disintegrates I will probably sing a different tune.

 

To each their own.

Personally, I have mine in place. They can be purchased from any number of vendors here. About $25 FROM OUR FRIENDS. Outside sites want up to $60!

1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty Fuel Pump Strainer V8 7.3 OEM: E5TZ-9J306-BA

 

Thanks to all for your great advice. I see both sides of it now. I think I will either do one of two things -- 1) fab a stainless boot (no sharps on bottom!) to stop the odd biggie or 2) fab a removable mid fill tube screen (about 1/8" openings) to catch the odd biggie. I will finally post a pic of what I do.