Fuel Pump and Sending Unit

1997 Chevy 4WD 350...I've been having trouble starting it. At first I noticed it would take an extra second or so to start. Then it got worse and worse to the point where I had to crank for a while, let it sit, then eventually it would fire. Once it starts, it runs fine. Replaced the fuel filter, which was bad, but that didn't help. The fuel pump was the next project, but since it ran fine after it started I thought it couldn't be the fuel pump. After much research and talking I thought it must be the fuel pressure regulator, but I decided to bite the bullet and take it in.
The shop I took it to determined that BOTH the fuel pump and fuel sending unit needed to be replaced.
Does this sound right?
Just curious.
Thanks.

This sounds like it could be the problem.I work at a gm shop and we replace sending units and pumps all the time.You also said the fuel filter was bad(clogged)if it,s been like that for a very long time it puts alot of strain on the fuel pump trying to keep the pressure where it should be.I try to change my filter every 15,000 or earlier,my seem like a pain put it helps out the pocket book

Just some quick advise if you decide to replace the Pump. If you have a somewhat level Grassy area you can pull your truck on then do the job there.
Take the bed off. Don't drop the tank. I did it myself by removing the 8 main bolts, tail lights and unclipped the wiring harnes from the bed.
Once loose from the frame, just slide the bed towards the driver side. The bed will move sisde to side much easier than foward to aft. allow the bed to drop to the (grassy) ground and walk it up on its side then all the way over till it sits upside down next to your truck.
It's a breeze. I did the whole job in 2 1/2 Hrs by myself....Good luck!

If you have an engine hoist, thats the way I took my bed off when changing my pump. Just cross two straps from corner to corner in an X and hook the hoist to the center. Might want to take the tailgate off otherwise it gets a little tail heavy and you might want someone to assist keeping it from swaying to much. I changed my pump by myself in about 2.5 hours. Including running to the parts store.