Spend it now on a fass and not worry again. If the factory pump fails again, you run the risk of damage to the injection pump. You do the math $$$$
AHAIN. the vp44 is not the problem and is actually a good pump, it just can not be starved for fuel, UPGRADE the lift pump. The only issue with 2nd gen trucks are the auto trans and the lift pump. FYI, the 09 tie rod upgrade will work on your truck, well worth it.
2nd gen trucks are good trucks. I like the 24 valve, think the dana axles are better then the AAM axles and prefer a nv4500 or nv 5600 over the new manuals. 2nd gen 6 speeds are the holy grail to me, yes they need a few upgrades, but otherwise are great trucks.
Glad your rolling again and enjoy your rig.