Okay, I took off the water pump. Bad news, I also removed this five inch hose that ran from the pump to the engine. Now I can't get the new hose back into that space because I don't have room to clamp it. Looks like I need to remove the mounting plate that supports the a/c compressor and alternator. It looks like the alt needs to be removed and then the support thing. At a glance I'm only seeing a few bolts that need to be removed. Is this a DIY or an Oh Crap I'm screwed project? I have a Haynes guide if anyone knows which pages would help this poor ol idiot.

Thanks for your time,
Stuart

'98 Ram 5.2L

 

ITs very possible, Just stay level headed and you ill get it off.DO NOT Disconnect the lines going to the A/C compressor just lay it to the side, or bungy cord it somewhere

 

Im new to this working on trucks scene and i cjanged a water pump and thermostat by myself with harley any tools. Its time consuming but simple if you use your noggin. Just take out what screws you think need out and its probably all the right ones. There is not much else there. Once you take your AC pump and alternator off youll realize they were on a bracket that you coulda taken off as one piece Its a kick yourself in the butt move but no harm done. I laugh at myself after words.

 

Yes you will feel like a dummy sometimes after you take something apart, "oh i could have done it that way", or "what the hell was i thnking. I run into that crap every day,thats what its like when your heavy equipment mechanic

 

https://dodgeforum.com/m_224411/tm.htm Check this out,it helped me.

 

I broke my water temperature sensor with my AC pump when I moved it out of the way. It did not come off, so I straightened it. It still works. That was your bypass and you will need to replace that. Remember to turn your clamps up so you can get to them from the top. Force55555 was right. Stop and think.

You may want to do the timming belt too. You are right there. This is also the time to put in a new themostat.

You will be fine, and this is what makes a man a man. Use of tools. You are saving a couple hundred bucks too. Oh yeah, don't lay the fan clutch flat on the floor. You should hang it up. I use a wire coat hanger stretched out and hooked on a blade.

Torque your bolts to 30 ft lbs (41 Nm)

 

I was supposed to Torque them ooops :-O