Remove radiator to replace water pump?

[stubborn1]

Hi all,

I've got 120k miles on the X and just started hearing what sounds like the bearing going bad in the water pump. I read my Ford maintenance CD and it suggests taking out the radiator to replace the water pump. I have the 4.0 OHV. For the other two engine choices, it simply says remove the fan clutch and shroud.

Can anyone tell me if the radiator really has to be taken out to replace the water pump on the 4.0 OHV? I would rather avoid doing the extra work if I don't have to.

Thanks

 

[88vert]

I can do my first gen without removing the radaitor

 

[verlane24]

I had to take the radiator out to do mine. You'll need a fan wrench to get the fan off. I rented one from Autozone.

later
brian

 

[stubborn1]

I guess I can try to do it by just removing the fan to start. If I can't get all the bolts out, I'll take out the radiator.

 

[Hoppy]

Why wouldn't you remove the rad? It is as easy as removing the tranny cooler lines if it is automatic then removing the upper rad hose from the t-stat housing. You have to take the lower rad hose off anyway to remove the water pump from the truck and something like two bolts to remove the rad. Well, if it were me I wouldn't take the risk of damaging the rad while changing the water pump since it is so easy to remove the rad considering half of the work is already done to get the water pump out. Just think of that one unforseen bolt you have to remove, then wham, it breaks free and the end of your ratchet and fist go through the rad. Oopsie. there is an expensive mistake.