I don't know how this thread got onto water pumps, but...
There's an easier way around this, depending on your needs.
If you plan on running an electric fuel pump, this could be for you.
A 1990-91 (only) 318 (only) Dakota (only) water pump. It is a short-nosed water pump based on the upcoming Magnum pump, the only difference is it has a standard drive flange to mount V belt pulleys for standard rotation instead of the Magnum's reverse rotation.
View attachment 1716080455
The only catch is that you must use a Magnum-style timing chain cover with it, since the pump bolt pattern is slightly different than the LAs. The Magnum cover has no provision for a mechanical pump, but it retains a timing pad in the standard '70 and later LA location.
Dodge did this to fit the LA 318 into the clearance-challenged Dakota until the Magnum based engines became available in '92.
Maybe this'll work for you.
