I have a 93 Dakota with the 318 Magnum that runs great! When it runs. I removed the fuel tank to install new straps and try to get the sending unit functional. It was until I put it back in the tank. No matter. The issue is that ever since it only runs when it feels like it. It'll be running fine when I park it then the next time I start it it acts like it's out of fuel.Sputters ,shudders, and dies. If I leave it 4-5 hrs like as not she fires right up and runs fine. Does this sound like a lazy fuel pump or an ECM problem? I've switched around the pump relay with others to no effect. I put in a can of seafoam today and ran around an hr or so everything was fine. I went to turn it around in the driveway later and it shuddered and quit again. I need this ready for a 300 mile trip next week.
Sorry for the long post but I need some help here.

 

could be a clogged filter...

or the connector is loose

 

I would start looking to make sure all your electrical connections are good. Start at the battery and work your way back. I could be wrong here but almost sounds like a lazy pump or bad connector to the pump. Or a bad regulator?

How many miles on the truck?

 

Check fuel pump pressure....if it was installed wrong, it could be partially leaking back into the tank instead of going to the injectors.
neighbor had one that had a slit in the short section of rubber tubing just on the output of the pump, inside the tank....

 

Check the fuel filter first. My brother had this same issue, swapped everything out to find out it was just the fuel filter. My fault because in my 95 I believe the filter is in the pump, on his truck he said he had a filter outside of the fuel tank.

 

I'll try removing the external fuel filter today. Thanks for the suggestions. I've already disconnected every wire coupling under the hood and sprayed with contact cleaner.

 

gotta be something you did while in there. re-check all connections on the top of the pump. all the more reason i will not take mine apart to fix the sending unit....

 

It turns out there was no issue with the fuel pump or relay. I jiggled the wiring harness to the distribution box that houses the relays and have had no problems since. My next day off work I'll remove it and check for the bad wires.