VP44 troubles can come from a low charge pressure. Your truck came with a Carter charge pump wjich is a good pump but like all good things they ware out. Dodge came with a UP-DATE KIT. That means bring money! They came with a new unit which goes in the tank.
This isn't the answer but you will think it is for a while.
The VP44 pump was design to be feed with a minimun of 6 psi which keeps the steels thrust washer from floating and self destructing.

These are the tried and proven answers to prevent this from happening to you.
#1. Install a gauge between the filter and the pump inlet. This gauge needs to read both positive and negitive pressure. Turbo gauge is great.
#2. Install a new Carter pump if your truck has 100,000 miles or more.
#3. Install a check valve so if the Carter fails or your fuel filter becomes cloged. This check valve allows fuel to pass around the catret pump if it isn't running.


Rememger if you aren't charging your VP44 with more than 6 PSI you need to start gatering up some money!

Lots of it!

I have 40 years of diesel experance.

 

Did you ask them when you ordered the pump if they changed the computer on top? Some pumps that are rebuilt are someone else's junk pump core, so if it is not changed you will get a rebuilt pump with a 200,000 mile computer. BlueChip does change the computer.
Changing the VP isn't as bad as it looks. Stealth cover good idea.

 

Update

the VP44 did come with new electronics on the top part of the pump. It wasn't that hard to install myself, thanks to the help of forums like this one.

Things have been working out well, infact my fuel milage went up about 2MPG and it smokes less under WOT. I don't know if it's a sign of the wear on the old VP44 or the improved "air less" fuel getting delivered via the Air Dog 100. Either way, I'm happy.

Tonight I'll perform a mufflerectomy (3" straight pipe replacement for resonator and muffler). Hopefully it won't be too loud?

 

welcome to diesel bombers

 

Welcome!

 

 

to DB.

 

Howdy! Welcome to Diesel Bombers! You're Going to Like it Here!

 

Welcome

 

Update:
The whole package is still working great. And the sound coming from my local muffler shop made straight pipe is awesome. It sounds like a car with a V8 and performance exhaust mated with a semi truck. It's a little louder, but still not as loud as the normal diesel sounds that originate under the hood. I think the turbo spools a little quicker under partial load, FWIW. Now I need to save up for some RV 275 injectors or a smartie.

Also,
Jacob Kidd, it's nice to see you got your web site up.