I did not mean the front end of the vehicle, just the front of the engine basically. Take a good look at the serp belt, hoses, and such. While you are in there do a good inspection. There is a small trainsmission fluid cooler behind the grill right in front of radiator. The hose going to one side of mine developed a pinhole and I thought I had a power steering fluid leak, it took forever to chase it down.

On my 97, I have been pre-emptive and try to replace as much weakened original items as possible when I do tear into it such a major way.

 

Danny - Gotcha.. Thanks. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't underestimating the job.

"On my 97, I have been pre-emptive and try to replace as much weakened original items as possible when I do tear into it such a major way." I need to start doing this more pro-actively.

 

Should I go ahead and replace the fan clutch?

 

Replacing the fan clutch only hurts the wallet. It the pump is that bad, chances are the clutch may have taken a beating it didn't deserve(or maybe it did...).

 

Yes, read the tech section for a less costly fan clutch option.

 

With one that old, I definitely would and the serpentine belt too if it's not already new.

I don't like to take mine apart any more times than I absolutely have to. I would also plan to replace all the hoses as well especially if they are original or not very recently replaced. I go ahead and buy as much new smaller hardware as possible so that next time around it is not an even bigger problem.

 

Replacing the Water Pump fixed the coolant leaking/spraying issue. Job was fairly straightforward. Clutch came off easy (rented a fan clutch removal kit from O'Reilly) Hardest part was removing the water pump pulley.

 

Did you replace the fan clutch as well or did you put the old one back in?