Hi. I just wanted to ask to see if anyone would replace their water pump while they had the front end taken apart looking for a drip, dribble type leak right in the middle of the near frontal area of the truck?
In other words, I think it's the water pump leaking. But, after I take all the front end stuff off to detect where the water is actually leaking from(water pump or that hose right there), if it turns out to be that hose hidden in there, should I replace the water pump anyway while everything's off of there?
Like my convertible Sebring, 2.5L, they Always say that if you're replacing the timing belt, you always replace the water pump while you're in there. Or vice versa, always replace the timing belt if you're replacing a water pump. Sort of seeing if the same applies to these 5.9's.
Thanks for any guidance on this. My 1st Ram! Love it so far and dont mind spending the money to do things right on this older truck.
She fires right up! This big ol 5.9 fires right up, right away and sounds good, runs good, Looks good for the age/miles! Thx again!!

 

If it's the original pump, just replace it. They aren't that expensive, and if your luck is anything like mine, if you DON'T do it while you are in there, it will start leaking within the week.

If you have near, or over, 100K miles on the truck, doing the timing chain/gears wouldn't hurt either. About another 75 bucks in parts, and six more bolts, once the water pump is out of the way.

Checked the plenum yet?

 

Oh, No, didnt check plenum! Damn. Is there anything in particular i'm looking for at plenum? Or anything I should do as far as replacing that just because as well? It actually has a whopping 250k on her. But, it fires right up, smooth as can be and runs great(as long as I dont go far as the water will all end up leaking out), but I want to look at and do any and everything I should at 1st. Then later do some secondary stuff. Thanks HeyYou!!

 

This is the truck. Theres nothing at all wrong w inside. Dash is like newish, no cracks or fade. Seats are great. Its the one that has pwr seats, locks, tilt, cruise and stuff. I do hate that theres no slider in back window! Spray on liner and heck of a tow package w aftermarket elec brakes.
Is the after elec brakes why the obd2 port wont turn on the code reader and that the radio wont play(does light up/just no sound), no dome light and the worded red "brake" light stays on yet theres fluid to the top of reservoir? Prob a couple other little electrical things that dont work as well, cant remember now.
I checked the grounds under the battery tray, seemed fine. Checked ALL fuses in truck cab and all small fuses in junction box under hood, all good!
Thanks y'all!!

 

So HeyYou also said that I should look at timing chain, the guides and the rest if I was changing the w/p? Someone also said t/c was only like 6 bolts after the w/p and all is moved out of the way. So if I'm correct, HeyYou wants the timing gears and chain and guides and everything replaced while in there? I want to do that. Just making sure I understood right before I go ordering any parts I shouldnt have. And I think he wanted that possibly done because of the 250k on it when I bought it a month ago. Thanks!!

 

Yep , replace the gears and chain. They'll come as a set. I went with the Comp Cams one

 

Thanks jsmith1969. HeyYou also said if the water pump was the original one, just change it as this Ram has like 250k! Is there a good way to know for sure if the w/p is the original one? Comp Cams, Is the correct timing kit the: Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Sets; Chrysler 273-360 (Single-Bolt)

 

Not sure how you could tell if it was original unless you had maintenance records. I'd just replace it for piece of mind.

Link for timing chain you show doesn't work? I used this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but Amazon Warehouse had an open box one I had got for around $40. Their standard double roller set(or Cloyes or Melling) should be fine too

 

I just did this job a month ago. Tore it down to do timing chain, front seal, water pump, t-stat, all hoses, and new coolant with core flush. It is a pretty big job. You'll need several special tools and pullers, etc. The pump is pretty easy once the fan clutch and shroud is off. But to get all the way down to the chain took a lot extra time. The accessories all come off the bracket along with lots of little bolts, brackets, etc. Make sure you draw a diagram or take pics of where each bolt goes as some are longer or go through water jacket or attach bracket but not pump, etc. Get a good manual with pics and do some research here. I used the Cloyes double roller from Napa, new pump and stat from Napa, and new hoses and seals from Napa. Coolant from walmart.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask as it's all still pretty fresh in my mind. I hope to never do that job again.