Right - that's about my current skill level anyways - not sure I'm ready to tackle swapping a water pump now.

I assume I'll probably need the space you mentioned above?

great info ya'll. just to clarify, on my 83 SD i can just replace the original metal fan/clutch with the updated plastic fan/clutch since it has that spacer for the water pump, correct? but i should also use the later version WP pulley to increase efficiency. the way i understand it is that the pre '81 617's are in need of the later model WP pump to engine housing?

your 83 SD should have a plastic fan already, and it should have the small pulley as well.
if it does not, it's either an EARLY 83 or the engine/fan assembly has been changed for an older one...

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yeah it's an early 83 (build 12/82). it has the larger WP pulley (found out the hard way when trying to fit 10x1000 belts on it)

bump, just want to make sure i got the info right

yes

cool, thanks mr. hunter, you always have the best advice