fuel pump part?

[bigmistake]

I pulled my fuel pump and this rubber part is completely falling apart and flaking:

 

 

Any ideas what it is and if I need a new one?  Or can I just remove it?  My new pump doesn't have one.

 

[Eagle]

It's a locator/support that fits into a hollow in the baffle at the bottom of the tank. Aftermarket replacements don't have it, so I guess they assume it's not needed. However, since without it the entire weight of the pump and sender assembly is supported by the two metal tubes coming through the mounting flange, I would expect to see that seal fail in short order.

 

The factory doesn't list that as a separate part. It's included in what the factory called the "Fuel Pump Package," part number 4637 192 for the 4.0L, or 8350 2752 for the 2.5L TBI. (Oops -- those numbers are Renix era. Just realized you have a '91.)

 

Looks like the same numbers for '91 - '93. That's apparently for a fuel pump repair kit, not the complete pump.

 

 

[bigmistake]

I removed the parts that were obviously flaking and there was still a lot left intact, so I went ahead and re-installed it.  Thanks for the information, Eagle!