Best Fuel Pump Advice for Newb...

Not that I think this has anything to do with your problem, but your filter location isn't great. Generally, you find the factory fuel filter in a different place. I like to go for the frame rail close to the fuel pump side of the engine. Metal filter in a metal bracket secured to the frame rail with a couple of sheet metal screws. I also prefer to plumb the filter on the inlet side of the pump, rather than between the pump and carburetor. That way, the filter is away from heat sources such as the intake manifold, where vapor lock might become an issue with ethanol laced gasoline. It also cleans up the engine area a little.