I spent about an hour last nilght reading on here how simple it is to change a water pump. When I went out today and looked at my truck, it looked like a major pain in the butt. I have an 05 and it looks like the alternator will have to be removed at least. What I would like to know is who has changed a water pump on a truck like mine and what is involved.
Thanks in advance for any help,
Sam

 

That is what garages are for. To relieve you of the pain.

 

Fairly easy to replace. Remove tension from serpentine belt and remove from pump. After unbolting the pump, I positioned it between the fan blades and rotated it to the drivers side to get it out. Put in new pump in same fasion, only reversing procedure. Took about an hour from start to finish.

 

A few words to the wise, put a piece of cardboard behind radiator to protect it just in case water pump slip out of your hand. Never has happen to me and I have changed quite a few in 25 years, but why take a chance. Cardboard is free radiator is $$$. Remove air filter housing and serp belt from pulley. Remove bottom bolt on water pump and just loosen top bolt. These pumps stick on pretty good. Also, if you want to save coolant red coolant is good for 100k miles or 5 years. Not removing top bolt will give you a little control over how fast the coolant pours out from the block. Get yourself a large drain bucket capable of holding 5 gallons or more. Get a large pry bar and carefully pop the pump loose. After it all drains remove top bolt and carefully with a good grip on pump remove it from engine. It will squeeze by under alt pulley may have to rotate pump to get out. Clean the surface on block shop towel it clean. Dont forget to install rubber gastket on new pump. I put a little mopar silicone in pump groove just to hold gastket from coming out when installing pump. Pump can only go on one way and weep hole is to bottom. Hold pump in position and start top bolt first. Tighten bolts evenly and install belt and air filter. I remove plug in cylinder head (allen head plug) so air will vent from cylinder head when filling with coolant. Put a little teflon sealer on threads when reinstalling plug. Leave cap off until t-stat opens (top hose is hot) then top off the coolant and fill the overflow tank to the full level mark. Install your rad cap and make sure it's tight. Oh by the way take the cardboard out, warranty pays .5 for this repair. Good Luck

 

unless your over a 100k its under warranty 100 deductible

 

I just got back from being out of town for a week and had all kinds of good advice. Thanks to everyone!!!!