This truck is indispensable on my cattle farm. It overheated in the pasture and was found have no coolant in the radiator. Pouring water in the radiator leads to a massive leak coming from the front of the engine block, but also the drivers side of the block. I quickly, and unwisely assumed it was the water pump. (Impatient decisiveness may not be a virtue in farming, but it’s common when you have to make life-saving decisions often). Swapped it out and nothing changed, same massive leak. Now I assume it’s the thermostat housing, though even with the fan and fan clutch off I still can’t find the exact source, but given the flow, the housing seems to be the most plausible.
QUESTION 1. Is the housing a likely culprit.
assuming yes:
QUESTION 2. I’ve not found good how-to’s for this exact motor. I’ve found good how to’s on SOHC motors which started in ‘01 I believe. Will this be a good enough guide to get the jist? Or is it a very different process?
QUESTION 3. Should I be careful what parts I buy? (i.e. stick to OEM or some specific aftermarket part that is particularly good)
QUESTION 4. I’m assuming the throttle body and intake manifold have to come off at minimum. What other parts should I swap out since I’m in there anyway?
QUESTION 5. What critical issues am I neglecting out of my admitted ignorance?

 

The housing on that engine is a contoured pipe with a flange....not much to go wrong compared to the "split plastic" housing with hose barbs and holes for either 1 or 2 sensor/sender found on the SOHC.
Can you get a couple of people to help watch for the leak to initiate as you pour water in?

 

Took the tire off to get a better look. Still can’t see the exact source, but it might be a freeze plug. Do these motors have freeze plugs on the left side (drivers side of the block? This would explain the fact that it isn’t a small leak, it’s a gusher. Honestly, I forgot those things existed. If that’s it, I suspect that it’s going to suck.

 

Those manufacturing plugs are on both sides. They're completely replaceable.
It sounds like you're still solo on this.
Get as many pair of eyes as you can and when the engine isn't flowing water, get your people in position and start pouring.
Start with a fast 1/2 gallon. The leak might start instantly and stop almost as fast. You could get lucky.