1996 ranger 4.0L low fuel pressure
 

I bought this 96 awhile back to use as a back up vehicle. been sitting around for a year or so. periodically, i would start it and let it run for awhile. all seemed ok. Until now.
cranks fine. hits a little and seems like it wants to run but does not. put a fuel pressure gauge on the shrader on the fuel rail and got about 6Lb. not nearly enough.
pulled the relay and put in a current meter on the tank pump. drawing about 1.1 amps. i can here the pump run and it sounds ok. So now, its the holy trinity of fuel pump
or clogged fuel sock, fuel filter, or damper valve? on the fuel rail. i banged on the tank, banged on the filter, banged on the fuel damper, did not seem to have any affect.
any insight on where to start and what to look for? the bottom is very rusty, and pulling the tank or bed is going to be a pita. is 1.1 amps on a stock fuel pump normal range?
can i change the fuel damper on the fuel rail without taking the intake apart?

You can narrow it down by putting a pressure gauge on the output of the new filter. Bump the key a few times. If the pump is good the pressure should build, and it absolutely should not drop.

bypassed relay. pump running all the time. 6lb or less at the rail. pump sounds ok. drawing 1.2amps (seems low). about 50ohms resistance. tried to get the fuel filter off to insert a T to check pressure. rear connector with clip came off fine. the front connector which is different with no clip i cannot get off. have one of those Chinese remover kits and tried 3 different ones. suggestions? also, where is the ground for the pump and any connectors in-between? can you get to them from underneath?

6 psi is extremely low pressure. If you can get a good connection at the line you have (the filter inlet) you can verify for certain whether or not you need a new pump. The problem I had with my pump (a split hose inside the assembly) would certainly cause your symptoms. It would be better if you can verify the problem before throwing money at it.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...e7110938c9.jpg
My old pump
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...9713f55721.jpg
close up of the split hose