I have purchased a new fuel pump and was wondering is the brass fitting necessary? Also is it necessary to replace the feul pump rod?

 

No, neither is necessary.

 

Well that brass fitt'n should mate to the tubing flare for sealing.
A good specaily hardware store will carry inverse flare fittings if u want to make changes. I recall flex line to intlet and flared 3/8" tubing on outlet of pump.

I installed my Carter street pmp with 45* fittings only - no 90*. Aligned the pmp housing so fittings see only smooth transistions to the tubing - reduced restrictions. Removed my "S" bent/formed inlet flex line so inlet flex makes gradual bend accross top of pmp and down. I see 6psi-9psi right at the carb now without a inline regulator.
U can set it up for your application.
cardo0