You can change the freeze plugs in the truck, but they can be a real pita depending on which one puked and how much crap is in the way. Which one is leaking? Make sure you thoroughly clean the block where the new plug will seal and it can be helpful to put a thin coating of rtv on the new plug. If the plug has rusted out and is leaking, the rest probably aren't far behind. If the location of the bad plug really prohibits driving in a new one, you can use a rubber expansion plug to get you by for awhile. Any hardware store should have them in a range of sizes.
The difference between the short and long pumps is the length. If you can get your fingers between the timing cover and water pump, you have a long one. If the water pump is almost touching the timing cover you have a short one. No 283 left the factory with a long one. Any local parts store should have both in stock.
Last edited by Southtowns27; 12/11/2011 5:02 PM.
