Ford Fuel pump rant

Ron. I had an older 70's plymouth and the mechanical pump went out. I had never changed one before and was anxious about doing it. 30 minutes later I was driving again. I understand the pump in the tank to get the pressure up the distance in needs to run. Manufacturers need to make parts like this last. I am going to look under the bed in mine to see how difficult it would be to add an access port. I have a feeling the water tank is just right there. I changed the fuel filter thinking that was the problem and doing so I had to wrestle around around a frame crossover which the filter was directly above. A foot on either side and I would have had no interference removing the filter. Either the frame was built after filter install or they put the filter in first and then added the frame. I had a blowout on the left rear inner tire. It took the filler tub enad wrapped it around the axle. The repair place unwrapped it and reattached. Whe I got home I wanted to check for damage. Small hole in floor I patched and the tube is bent. I replace when I drop the tank. But. I think a little more structure near the wheel well and the filler neck to protect it wouldn't have hurt anything. Had the tube been ripped from the tank it would have had to be towed. I am also going to see if I can weld something there to prevent or lessen damage incase that should happen again.