dropped tank and replaced the pump. Truck starts right up. Replaced the filter and all is well so far.
Fuel pressure with new pump and filter (both the inline and the in-tank replaced). 56psi
Pressure with return line pinched. 90psi.
Maybe the regulator is on the way out? I was expecting 60psi. In any case the truck runs fine for now.
At the old pumps outlet is a metal oval device with rubber internals. It is called a fuel pump pulsator. Anyway a mechanic friend who has done these jobs before said he always replaces it with a fuel hose since they are know to leak. Interestingly my pump kit came with the perfect length and diameter hose to replace it.