i think i'm up against a fuel pump replacement on my 01 3.8 mustang. anyone have an idea what the ford dealer will stick me for it?

 

My guess would be over $500. You might be better off trying to do it yourself...They really aren't that hard to replace.

 

Compare the prices between Advance Auto, Pep Boys and AutoZone. I bought my last fuel pump from Advance Auto, which had the lowest price (around $90 for one of my Z's). It's pretty simple to install - about a 15-20 minute procedure for me.

EDIT: I just looked back and saw that you have a 2001 Mustang. Are you absolutely sure the fuel pump is your problem? The reason I ask is because I've only had to replaceone fuel pump on any of my cars... granted 13 out of16 were Nissans, but the only one that the pump failed on was 21 years old at the time, with 202K miles on it. None of my othercars, ranging from 78K to 210K miles on the original engines ever had a fuel pump problem - this also includes 2Fords anda Chevy.

So, that's why I'm wondering whether your problem is actually the fuel pump.