hi guys! i'm new here so be easy on me

I have a fuel pump question. 82ta cfi. I cut a hole in the trunk and pulled the fuel pump out. the fuel filter popped. i put the new pump in, but I had problems placing the pump in straight.
my float must be pinned between the tank and the pump cause it gives me a full tank. PLUS when I make left turns the car starts stumbling, then picks up when i straighten it out. anybody have any tips on setting that pump in straight?

thanks in advance!
doug