[Cadillakin'98]

I feel your pain (sort of). Just did my fuel pump on my '98 and have to say taking the bed off is for sure the easiest way to do this. Hell, it took me longer to decide which pump I was gonna buy from "Twilight Zone" (thats funny- I hate 'em w/ a passion) than it did to remove bed, and change out pumps. I didn't run into any problems though and sorry to hear you are.
First of all, I remember looking at my Chiltons manual (after I had finished) and seeing how it said to test the relays before replacing pump (oops). Considering how you said you were able to start your truck back up the first time you died on the road, and how you mentioned "limping" back home (not sure what you meant be this 'cause if your pump is out, it's completely out) I'd say checking your relays would be a good idea.
Also, I have a '98 as well and have the part #'s written down (somewhere) so if you mention the # you got, I'll see if it matches. Regardless of the motor size, believe it or not, all '98's use the same exact pump. On the '97's they are different; but all '98's have same pump regardless of which motor.
I imagine the pump is ok since you can hear it kick on so start with this first. I'll dig up my notes from 4 days ago to compare part #'s if you'd like.