New fuel gremlin on 84 FI

[vdesigner99]

New gremlin after three years of worry free driving on my 84'
I took car out, noticed that the gas gauge read empty. So went to station filled it up.
Went home and noticed that something was dripping from rear, gas. I lifted card and obvious that the original hose to pump was leaking at the union to the pump. Probably why the tank was empty after 3 week of no use. So I pinched the hose with vise grips about 10 inches from the pump and noticed that in doing so the hose kinda crunched. So I cut off about 1 inch and refitted and tightened hose clamp. Car would not start, WHAT! i went back down there and pulled hose, plenty of fuel being siphoned from tank. I think that the hose may have corroded and debris plugged the pump. Is is cleanable? I am also inclined to change the fuel hose, probably just standard fuel line from Autozone. My other question is if I pull the hose from the top of the tank is it going to spray everywhere or do I have to drain the tank first. I'm guessing that if I pull hose thru body and elevate above the tank there will not be a siphon effect.
Also is there a big difference on vendor for pumps? Ive seen prices from $38 to $256.08. These are Amazon, napa, orelliey and VAS. I know you get what you pay for and don't want a made in china one but dang its hard to decide.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Victor