Who needs a lift pump?

Who Needs a Lift Pump? If you’ve been around diesel performance for any length of time, you’ve probably heard people talk about lift pumps. But do you really need one? The short answer: if you care about power, reliability, or longevity—yes, you probably do. Let’s break it down. What Does a Lift Pump Do? A lift pump’s job is simple but crucial: it delivers a steady supply of clean, pressurized fuel from the tank to your injection pump. Without one, many factory setups force the injection pump to “pull” fuel on its own—leading to starvation, air in the system, and premature wear. Adding a lift pump solves those issues by: Ensuring constant fuel flow to the injection pump Improving filtration (cleaner fuel = longer injector life) Reducing air/vapor in the fuel system Preventing low-rail pressure under heavy load or wide-open throttle Who Absolutely Needs a Lift Pump? Modified Diesel Trucks Running bigger injectors, upgraded turbos, or a strong tune? Your factory fuel system won’t keep up. A lift pump becomes a must-have to maintain proper fuel pressure. VP44 Cummins Owners (1998.5–2002) These injection pumps are notorious for dying when starved of fuel. A lift pump is essentially required if you want reliability. Duramax Trucks From the factory, Duramax engines don’t even have a lift pump—they rely on the CP3/CP4 injection pump to pull fuel. Adding an aftermarket lift pump dramatically improves fueling, performance, and pump life. High-Horsepower Powerstrokes If you’re pushing big power, an upgraded lift pump is necessary to feed your injectors consistently. Who Can Still Benefit? Even if your truck is stock, a lift pump can make a noticeable difference in reliability and drivability. Heavy Tow Rigs: Long hauls with big loads put extra demand on your fuel system. Hot Climate Drivers: Keeping fuel cool prevents cavitation and vapor lock. Older Trucks: Many factory lift pumps (especially on 24V Cummins) are weak points—aftermarket is often more reliable. The Bottom Line A lift pump isn’t just for big builds—it’s insurance for your fuel system. Whether you’re towing, daily driving, or chasing horsepower, a quality lift pump will extend the life of your injection pump, protect your injectors, and keep your truck running strong. If you’re running more than stock power—or just want peace of mind on the road—a lift pump is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Here at Dan's Diesel Performance we recommend the Fass Fuel Systems lineup of lift pumps!