An in tank fuel pump should last for many years as long as you don't run it out of gas which can overheat and burn out the pump really quick.....in-tank pumps need gas to cool them. I've owned cars that haven't need a fuel pump for 10 years or more...I always keep a minimum of a 1/4 tank for that reason.
You can indeed also replace the in-tank pump with one mounted on a frame rail and just wire it into the existing power and ground wires... parts stores usually sell conversion kits to do this but make sure it's rated for the same volume and pressure as the factory one. The only drawback is that the pump has to be mounted low in some cases to draw fuel and it's exposed to debris hitting it and corrosion from salt in winter months if you live in northern areas..