[Ieatcamaros]

You are right on the fuel filter direction. Just be sure the direction of the gas matches the direction on the filter.

That is the way the tank comes out. You did nothing wrong.

From here, you need a brass punch or something to unscrew the fuel pump sending unit bracket from the tank. Then, just swap the fuel pumps. Hint: Put the fuel pump in the sending unit and then put the sock on. There is a rubber gasket that goes in between the pump and the sending unit on the sock side(bottom). You need this. Be sure to get the wires right on the pump. Another suggestion, if the sending unit is rusty, wire brush it off. This way, there is less trash in the tank.