Hey cbushnell,
Sorry about all the heartache your going through. I wouldn't pay that kind of money fo that job either. Autozone hase your sender and fuel pump for around $250.00 - you'll need a filter - maybe some lines and a tool to diconect your filter. I would buy new tank straps also. It's really not that hard of a job especially if your tank is near empty or you have a drain plug. However - before you go through all that - I would purchase a pressure gauge (aprox - $25.00) and do the following.
Turn the ignition ON; the fuel pump should run for a few seconds. Check the pump pressure for the following specifications:
1.
1987-93 vehicles, except 1993 VIN K: 41-47 psi (284-323 kPa).
2.
1993 VIN K and 1996-99 vehicles: 48-33 psi (333-376 kPa).
4.
Start the engine and allow it to idle. The fuel pressure should drop about 3-10 psi (21-69 kPa) due to the lower manifold pressure.
I tool this off the auto zone websight. Good luck - let me know how it turns out.
cscottyr