98 4.0L Engine Sputter - Fuel Tank

As soon as the gas tank gets just a hair below half full, the engine would begin to sputter every so often as I was doing 70mph. I haver similar problems when the tank is at or below 1/4 and I make a sharp turn - the engine wants to sputter and die. Is this a 'drop the tank and see what's up' kind of problem, as far as filter, pickup, etc.? I'm almost positive my gauges are perfect.

The strainer on the end of the pump might be all clogged. I do know that when a fuel pump is on it's last legs, they will cut out when the tank gets low. I would recomend replacing the pump and strainer, because it definately sould like you have a fuel supply problem.

My understanding is that the pump, filter, pickup, sender, etc. is in one main unit inside the tank. I'm pretty much convinced that I need to drop the tank and inspect/replace this unit. Heard it's about $200-$250 for this part. I have the service manual and doesn't look too difficult to do this but was hoping I wouldn't have to. Thanks!

I bought just a fuel pump for about 80 bucks from O'Reilly Auto parts. This was just the pump and strainer. I had the same problem a year ago and that fixed it.

I must apoloigize for he previous drunk-a-log, s5tilll drunk, whatever