I'm having issues with my fuel pump it seems like.
Some of the symptoms are that when I turn on low fuel, it will knock (backfire? sounds like a popping), and very recently it started knocking/backfiring when I tried to move from a stop. Last we checked, the car started dying like it was out of fuel after an amount of time running. Is the pump an issue or is it something else?

It's an 89 RS with the 2.8, all stock etc etc.

Thanks guys!

 

Get an extra pair of hands - have someone turn the key on while you have your ear pressed against the fuel tank - if the pump primes, good.

Next, start the car - again listen for the pump in the tank - is it running steadily?

Pumps usually either work or don't - they don't usually spit and sputter do-to-speak.

How long since fuel filter was changed? Change that!

Take a volt/ohm meter, set on ohms, and test continuity of each spark plug wire - should be no resistance at all. Make sure each wire is on good and tight on each plug and dist. Change cap and rotor and plugs. Make sure firing order is correct. Check timing and set to specs (disconnect the EST wire before checking timing).

If all this fails, try replacing the Ignition Control Module inside the dist, as well as the pickup coil.

In my experience, backfiring is usually an ignition issue rather than fuel issue.