A couple questions about fuel pumps Options

[Craigers17]

I replaced my fuel filter yesterday trying to get to the bottom of a backfiring issue, which hasn't been an issue since I replaced the carbs about 8 or 9 months ago. In addition, about a month ago, the points actually went bad, and the car started running poorly. I recently replaced the points, and it got the car running well at idle. However, the backfiring issue continued, so yesterday I decided to replace the fuel filter(and I bathed in quite a bit of fuel in the process).

After replacing the filter and remounting the facet fuel pump, I noticed that the fuel pump is very noisy all the time. It used to be easy to hear right at start up, but then faded out under the noise of the engine. Now I can clearly hear it all the time. As a side note, about 3 weeks ago, upon start up I noticed that I could barely hear it.....which was unusual(In other words, the sounds of the pump seem to be going in and out). There is no rubber between the pump and the firewall which is where it is located, so I know that could be an issue. My question is are these varying noises with the fuel pump a sign that it could be failing? Also, I assume that if it was failing, this could cause backfiring issues?

I made sure the carbs were synced again today, and the measure about 6 with the AFM at idle and as I give it throttle, the measurements between sides remains consistent.

My only other question is are points made specifically to match distributors and engine size or distributor only? The points I installed were for 009 and 034 distys, but it says on the package that they are for 12-1600cc engines. They SEEM to be working fine, and I gapped them at .016. According to my digital timing gun, the dwell is spot on at 47 degrees. I know that's a lot of questions, but any help would be appreciated.

[second wind]

I learned a lesson the hard way changing my fuel filter for the first time in my '73 2.0.
Fuel filter in the stock position and I had put a piece of carpet under the car for cushioning for my back. Well, as you said the gas poured out profusely and drenched the carpet I was lying on. I thought what the hell I use gas all the time to clean my hands and parts and such....no big deal that my back is soaking wet with gasoline. Well after cleaning up with a water hose and then a shower I figured I was good....NOT!! My entire back turned black and didn't feel so good as well. Learned my lesson....never again!
gg

[Craigers17]

I learned a lesson the hard way changing my fuel filter for the first time in my '73 2.0.
Fuel filter in the stock position and I had put a piece of carpet under the car for cushioning for my back. Well, as you said the gas poured out profusely and drenched the carpet I was lying on. I thought what the hell I use gas all the time to clean my hands and parts and such....no big deal that my back is soaking wet with gasoline. Well after cleaning up with a water hose and then a shower I figured I was good....NOT!! My entire back turned black and didn't feel so good as well. Learned my lesson....never again!
gg

I didn't get any type of skin reaction, but this was pretty much my exact experience. I guess there are probably tricks to doing this, but without a lift, there is minimal room to work and my headers restrict some arm movement to get to that area. Moreover, I didn't want to pinch the line, because it's the original plastic line that I would have to pinch to stop the flow.

Bottom line: Since the tank is near empty, I'm going to remove it, install SS lines, and move the pump and filter up to the frunk. IMHO, the original location sucks, and I'm not gonna put it below the tank. I rarely use the front trunk for anything, and it seems to be the best place to put it. As a side note, I have a 1990 F-150 and I changed the fuel filter in that the week before in about 5 minutes, no mess, no floor jack, no fuel loss, no drama.