I'm looking at replacement fuel sending units and see 4 on Rockauto.com. Ultra-Power $63, Liland Global $79, Spectra premium $140 and Dorman $147 (prices truncated). Apart from the huge price difference between the first and last any input on which is "best"? Quality, longevity etc.? My pump is not running (again) and it looks like the tank wiring has a fault plus the fuel gauge is pegged past full. I don't want to go through another tank drop for some time but I am getting pretty quick at it.

 

I'm going through a similar situation myself. In my research I have found that Spectra makes both the Tank and sending units for these cars, and seem to be the only ones. Most of the others are just rebadged Spectra parts. The Dorman one does seem a bit different. The other 2 brands you mention I know nothing about. I had purchased a used fuel tank from Hawks, which I received with an original GM sending unit, and I was excited to use it. However I could not get the Ohms to the proper 0 to 90 range. My original sending unit that is heavily rusted and needs a replacement wire actually does indeed measure 0 to 90 ohms, yet it is in terrible condition. I'm at a loss as what to do personally. Back to your question, as its probably what I will do, go with a Spectra one, their stuff is questionable but I have read that their sending units are adequate. Trust me, I don't want to drop my tank again for a long time, and I have been trying to figure out this sending unit debacle for a few weeks now. Just like you, I want it done right.

 

I went with the Spectra in the end. So far seems to be fine. Ohms are good and pump has worked. Fingers are crossed.

 

Not a fan of anything Dorman sells. I'd go with Spectra.

 

I second this. I wont even buy electrical connectors sold in Dorman packages. It is all the worst garbage with zero quality control. Literally the cheapest stuff they can find to stick in the Dorman box. Been that way 20+ years now.

 

I went with the spectra assembly and fuel pump, came with a strainer and a o-ring for the fuel line on the car. I had to bend the lines a touch to get the tank back in but it does seem better than what came in it from the factory.

 

One thing I have noticed on some of these sending units is the tank float is sometimes a flat bar like one instead of the round and also the housing for the float armature is plastic instead of metal. Anyone else notice this or have one that is this style? I would much prefer the original style over this plastic type.