Hesitations and knocking sound

sounds like a hole in gas line or hose

YOU COULD HAVE CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS.IDLE SPEED TOO LOW.LEAKING EGR VALVE DIAPHRAM.

check for cracked hoses on the carb or spark wires cap&rotor timing chain

I've had my 1990 Wagoneer since 2007, it was an old "City Park Vehicle" so it was kept in good condition until I bought it. I ran the poor thing practically into the ground and it still runs great!

You need to get under the front end of the truck - safely...
To the left or right of the fly wheel.. The fly wheel is a realy big round gear..
The starter will be mostly sylinder shape..
Should be easy to find..

by running out any debris in your tank will get sucked into your fuel pump. REplacing the fuel pump usually means removing the tank. You can try replacing the fuel filter first its much easier and cheaper. The filter is attached to your fuel line between the tank and the engine, usually in the frame. TAkes about 15 minutes to replace.

You need to know haw to fush what ?
Breaks ?
Coolant ?
Trani ?
Oil ?
All ?

the sending unit is no more than a variable resistor, u test it with an Ohm meter, the reading should move from either high to low ohms or low to high ohms, your gauge will most likely read empty if the sender is defective, while a GM car will read full. The sending unit is located in the fuel tank.

Sending unit for the fuel gauge is not grounding correctly or is bad. Temp sensor needs to be replaced.

Try putting it in to 4 wheel drive then put it in reverse then put it back in drive.