Originally Posted by onehundred80
Start of rant.
The OP said that he has little free cash with the educational costs he is paying to afford expensive parts. However, everyone was very quick to spend his dime despite his position financially. Our goal, or as they annoyingly say these days "Mission Statement", is to save owners money and not have them spend their money on favored suppliers when a cheaper alternative is open to them. This is a new member and we should treat him as we would a long time member that we know personally. End of rant. 
As you stated yourself, I'd be shocked to see Chrysler cover a fuel filter. Not only will he have to eat the cost of the filter, but Chrysler will still want their fee for telling him they can't help. Hell, Chrysler has a history of denying even the most VALID of claims. I've seen it happen all too many times (convertible top failure, anyone?).
In the event it's the pump, the pump supplied from Rob is a very nice unit. I'd hazard to say it's the same (or less) money.
The
cheapest option for the guy is for a rich Canadian to send him the pump in good-will. That would truly be a nice "welcome" present.
The
next cheapest option is ebay, bid and pray, hoping it will actually work.
If his dealer plays nice... then yes, his $100 deductible is the cheapest route.