Found the problem on the float assembly - where the wires come through a plastic block on the top to the unit and the pins stick down towards the tank . From there a small harness plugs on and goes down to the pump and float sending unit - the pin that comes from the gray wire was roasted and the plug had melted on that terminal - wondering why I didn't blow up if there were sparks right there since this all happened inside the tank. Still reading 8.5 volts at the plug . Turned out the pump still worked when I hooked it directly to the battery but I still replaced it anyway. Anyone ever heard of that in tank plug melting like that ? Should I not be using the truck until I solve this voltage issue? Txark... purciate the offer of your granny - try to get her down here in a timely manner next time ! :~)