Replacing mechanical fuel pump in 77 dodge 1 ton truck w/ a 440.
I have replaced mechanical fuel pumps on various engines, so I feel like I know what I am doing. I can not get this idiot thing in there. The old pump had the lever snap off. I am assuming it is in the oil pan as it is not anywhere I can see it through the mounting boss.
Is there a trick? I have compared the two pumps I even measured them, center to center on the mounting holes, and it is exactly the same.

Napa part number B-0130-P if anyone wants to double check. TIA!!

 

Welcome. The fuel pump lever must go under a push rod that drives it, this rod may have slid down and needs to be pushed back up against the camshaft eccentric. Turning the engine so the rod is fully up will help, adding some grease to the rod will hold it up.