how do you get fan clutch off from water pump with pump still in car

 

Use a fan clutch removal tool.

The post linked to below should help:
96+ Water Pump Removal & Install

Found using "fan+clutch+removal" in the search box.

 

A strap wrench will work if you have one. Use it to hold the pulley while you unscrew it with and end wrench.

 

I just had to do it a few days ago to change my water pump and didn't have the special tool. Keep the belt on to provide additional resistance on the pulley. Put a socket on one of the 4 pulley screws so that it prevents the pulley from turning counter clockwise. Place a large wrench (I used my biggest adjustable) on the fan nut and tap the end lightly with a rubber mallet. I felt the nut come loose after about 10 taps then I could unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. There was no rust or corrosion on my 99 but if the nut looks nasty you may want to spray some PB blaster on it before trying.

 

That's how I did it.

 

I used the tool. Most parts stores let you borrow the tool with a 100% refundable deposit. Worked pretty good, but make sure the tool parts aren't too worn.

 

I have done it twice now. The 1st time, I tried using that tool at autozone and I guess my brain wasn't ready for it..hahahahaha...So I did it the hard way. I used a big breaker bar to hold the pully from moving and with a dull cold chisel I hit the nut. After about 10 hits, noting or I thought. Then this guy who is a master mech stop by and went to his house and brought back the biggest pair of adjustable grips I have ever seen. He put them on there and took my old cold chisel and said you just need to tap it. Well, unknown to me I had broken it loose and said Wow that was easy..hahahahahaha...Now the second time. I just used the old cold chisel and tap it a few times and it came loose, lucky that time. Didn't need to try and stop it from moving it came loose after a few taps. And who said they can't teach an old horse a new trick! Hopefully it won't happen again, I might not get so lucky...

 

Yeah I tried the autozone rental tool and it did not fit.

 

The tool is a tight fit. You actually have to line 2 of the bolts up so that the flat edges face out, otherwise the holding tool will not go on. I used the one from Advanced Auto.

 

Are the threads standard righty tighty? Or are they reversed threads?