It's not that bad to DIY.https://dodgeforum.com/m_224411/tm.htmThe fellas here will help you out, if you run in to any problems.

 

The fan clutch is the biggest PITA of the whole job, get a Haynes manual, a rebuilt WP for $35 to $45, some blue RTV, and rent the fan tool for free from the store you get the WP from and go to town.

 

simple job...aside from the fan clutch...i recommend doing at least the timing gasket as well...i say this for after i changed my wp, a week later the timing cover sprung a leak so i had to take it all apart again....timing cover gasket cost me 22 bucks for a fel-pro at AZ


The way i remvoed the fan clutch was shove allen wrench in one of the holes on the pulley so it binds up with something, and this will lock it, so you can crack it free. I do hear tha some of the fan clutches are on reverse threaded....mine wasnt, but heard that some are.

 

yup, or you can take a strap wrench and bind that around the fan clutch. it will bind with something and you can crack it. Had to do that when changing my split fan shroud.


I rented the part from autozone and then never returned it. Basically you pay for it and then you get the cash back when you return it. But it was so cheap, i figured i would just keep it.

 

I know money's tight everywhere, but i wouldnt get a J/Y pump IMO , I'd try to shop around for the cheapest reman one you could find.

 

Here's an easier way to take off the fan:
Leave the belt in place to keep the water pump still.
10X easier.

 

^Mine was slipping when i did that..... the blet didnt grip the pulley enough hense leading to my allen wrench idea which worked, and it was actually a piece of cake doing it that way

 

 

Just double check that is your prob area, hate for your friend to buy you a water pump and it wasnt it,and come to find out it was the timing chain cover gasket or a hose.