how to change the water pump and a 97 jeep cherokee, i think it's a 5.3. does that sound right?

Answer 1

if 5.3 it must be a grand cherokee some years used a detachable pully [bolt on] others used a pully that is made in the pump shaft they are not interchangeable so get the right part before you take it apart you will also need a set of fan clutch wrenches for this truck
drain coolant and loosen cooling fan remove fan shroud bolts and remove fan and shroud at the same time and loosen water pump pulley bolts[if app.]

relieve tension on drive belt by turning spring tensioner pulley and remove belt noting the routing next remove the bolt holding heater pipe and twist wriggle [hold your mouth just right] pipe out and lay aside with hose still on it [yes this is where the skinny o-ring goes that is supplied with the replacement pump now remove the lower hose and the water pump bolts and pump, clean all traces of gasket material off of timing housing surfaces and use 3m trim adhaesive to glue new gasket to pump and let it take a set for a few minuiets and re- assemble good luck

Answer 2

If the 5.3 is representing the engine size, its a 5.2L or 5.9L V8.