2002 XLT 4.2L V6 manual trans 2wd 160,000 miles

I would apreciate any and all feed back on the is small project as I would like to keep it small. Please don't hesitate to post your comments.


My WP started to produce a squeak last weekend. I picked up the replacement pump and noticed it didn't have the tube that supplies coolant to the heater and intake manifold. I asked the counter guy and got a blank stare back. He looked into his computer and shrugged his shoulders. This was not a Ford dealership, but the pump has a lifetime guarantee sooooo....
I want to avoid one of those nightmare scenarios where your spending most of the weekend try get your rig running again because you decided to save 40$. I'm not at all sure how difficult it will be to get the old tube out.....in tact, or what kind of shape it may or may not be in. I already had the 90 bend tube produce a leak on the intake manifold a few years ago. I don't have any reason to believe that this tube is any better than that one
After a few hours online I was able to determine that the tube is to be reused and replacements are available but a little difficult to find as there are several different applications and it's been re engineered a few times.
I found what I feel is the exact replacement but it is not OEM. It's a Dorman part. I ordered it and it should be here by next weekend. about 50$.....the ford part was 130$

My questions: Should I replace the fan clutch while I have it out?
How difficult is it to remove the tube from the old WP?
Which would you reuse, the new part or the old one?
There is a bracket supporting the AC compressor and the air pump/vac attached to the block via the pump mounting bolts. The water pump flange is under or between the bracket and the block. this looks a little precarious to remove the bolts holding the bracket without removing the the 2 pumps. Can you remove the water pump with having to remove the compressor and the air pump? I freakin hope so

Thanks for your help
RB