So a HUGE thanks you to @gdog for telling me im not crazy and that there is a difference in accessing the fuel pump in my 1997 850 wagon, 5sp.
So unfourtently I can not access the fuel pump from the car and I must remove my tank. Any help here on this guys?
I was looking at it yesterday and noticed that I have two strapes on the gas tank, and some safety plates. but also it seems like the gas tank was put in before the exhaust and drivetrain. is this true?
if so. Crap i gotta alot of work to do.

 

Here's a good pic of your tank, pumps, and filter locations.

 

Well that doesnt look very fun to take out. and i see the two pumps. so coul dyou tell me which one is which?
and funny thing, after yesterday dropping my car down my jack did it a bit aburpt. but then i jumped in my car, and the fuel pump sounds like it is running better than ever! did it again this morning! and seems there is no problem anymore. This is making me rather nervous as should i replace it or should i not? I cant seem to get the thing to not "not" work . if that makes any sense!

 

Sorry I can't be of more help; never worked on the AWD volvos; what I know about them i've learned from forums. Did some googling and found some good links below.

BTW: rapping on the tank in the vicinity of the fuel pump is a good indicator that it is indeed the pump that's your problem.

How-to: Awd Fuel Pump Removal And Install - FWD/AWD 1998 and Prior - Volvospeed Forums

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...hp?f=1&t=20367

 

If that "drop" made the pump start working and it's continuing to run you have the problem of not knowing if it was the pump itself hanging up and the jolt from dropping the car down somehow adjusted or cured something inside the pump or if you have a bad wiring connection or connector that was jarred back into contact.