VE pumps are sensitive to inlet pressure and can blow the front seal out. The 24 valve trucks didn't use that pump so information not applicable.

The stock lift pump can support your proposed mods. I'd focus on the loss of prime more than anything.

Can you rig a clear fuel line from lift to filter? If there's air bubbles your sucking air from lift to tank.

Cracked nipples on the sender are common. Possibly a leak in the suction tube ?